Case, Ed RSS Articles

Case Comments On President Trump's Waiver Of Jones Act For Domestic Shipping Of Oil And Other Energy Products

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i-First) made the following comments on President Trump’s order today of a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act for shipping between U.S. ports of oil, natural gas, fertilizer and other energy commodities:

“President Trump’s waiver of the Jones Act is a no-brainer response to rapid increases in gas and other fossil fuel products from severe disruptions in international energy markets resulting from the Iran war.

“That we even have to waive the Jones Act to try to hold down skyrocketing fuel and other energy costs is a blanket admission of the Jones Act’s crippling effects on our economy, especially Hawai‘i and the other non-continent parts of our country (island territories and Alaska) that are wholly dependent on shipping.”

The Jones Act, a century-old federal maritime law, mandates that all cargo shipped between U.S. ports can only be shipped on U.S.-flagged vessels. Meanwhile, the vast majority of international-flagged vessels doing worldwide shipping are excluded from doing so. Additionally, with the number of oceangoing Jones Act vessels now well less than 100 country-wide, scarce and declining domestic shipping faces no competition from international shipping, driving up shipping prices nationwide.

This effect is especially severe for places like Hawai‘i which depend exclusively on shipping for over 90% of our goods, and where Jones Act shipping companies have developed virtual monopolies over a captive market and charge some of the highest shipping rates in the world. These are all passed down to Hawai‘i businesses and families as one of the primary drivers of our unacceptable high cost of living. A 2020 study estimated the cost of the Jones Act (the difference between high costs from the Jones Act monopoly passed down, and costs if shipping between Hawai‘i and the continent was open to the competition of international shipping) at almost $650 per year for each Hawai‘i resident.

Hawai‘i remains heavily dependent on fossil fuel products – crude oil, refined fuel and natural gas for energy and transportation, fertilizer for agriculture, and others – all of which must be shipped into Hawai‘i. Yet because the Jones Act restricts shipments of energy commodities from the continent, in normal periods Hawai‘i ends up sourcing most of its essential resources from foreign markets, where shipping is far cheaper. The constraints are stark: of the nearly 7,500 oil tankers operating worldwide, just 54 are Jones Act-compliant and permitted to ship fossil fuel products from the continent to Hawai‘i. Among oceangoing dry bulk vessels ideally suited for transporting fertilizer, not a single one qualifies.

As a result, despite being part of the United States, which is a net fossil fuel exporter, Hawai‘i normally sources only a small share of its energy from the continent. In 2024, just 16% of the oil used for electricity generation came from the continent, all carried on higher-cost Jones Act vessels, while the overwhelming majority was imported from abroad at lower cost.

However, the Iran war has disrupted these normal operations in numerous ways that further affect Hawai‘i negatively. First, international oil distribution and supply has been disrupted and countries that are normally exporting product are holding their product home for domestic supplies, requiring Hawai’i to rely far more heavily on domestic fossil fuel products. Second, the domestic Jones Act tanker fleet is devoted elsewhere and largely not available to transport substantially increased fuel supplies from the continent to Hawai‘i.

The President’s 60-day waiver temporarily lifts the Jones Act restrictions for shipments of energy commodities from the continent to Hawai‘i, thus allowing international shipping to continue domestic supply shipping to Hawai‘i.

“President Trump’s Jones Act waiver is important to maintain fuel imports to Hawai’i at a time when we must rely far more on domestic supply while the capacity of domestic shipping has declined, and it certainly shines a high-beam spotlight on the crippling effects of the Jones Act on the cost of living for island and other non-continent parts of our country,” said Case.

“But make no mistake: That alone will not reduce prices; it will just mitigate further increases the longer these disruptions continue. It is the President’s war in Iran itself that is the overall driver of huge increases in gas, electricity, food and other costs to Hawai‘i families because of the disruption in both international energy supplies and worldwide shipping.”

In the current 119^th Congress, Case again introduced legislation to reform the Jones Act and open up Hawai‘i - continent shipping to international competition. Case’s February 14, 2025, press release on introduction of his current measures is here: https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3520.

###

Case Opposes Onerous Additional Information Requirements For Visas To Visit The U.S.

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security with funding and oversight jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is opposing a proposed DHS rule which would impose onerous additional data collection requirements on residents of various countries including our allies and partners applying for visas to travel to the United States.

“These additional requirements represent a fundamental shift in the entry process for lawful travelers to our country,” said Case.

“They would have the effect of chilling a broad range of travel to our country with indiscriminate blanket requirements that would unnecessarily harm key international-travel-related industries such as travel and tourism, education, and trade, especially with our closest allies and partners.”

In his letter to soon-exiting Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney S. Scott (see attached), Case explained that “while security enhancements are important, the breadth of these requirements risks creating a perception of complexity, intrusiveness and unpredictability,” and “risks imposing unnecessary burdens on lawful international travelers [which] could have disproportionate economic consequences for the State of Hawai‘i.”

Currently, travelers applying for visas from countries designated for participation in the Visa Waiver Program (Program), which eases travel requirements from allies and partners with no significant security or overstay risks, use the Arrival and Departure Record (Form I-94) and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to enter the United States. Under the proposed rule, these applicants would also have to disclose five years of social media data, extensive historical contact information, detailed biographical information about family members and expanded biometric identifiers.

If adopted, the proposed rule would affect travelers from 42 countries listed in the Program, including Japan and the Republic of Korea (full list here).

“Travel and tourism is and will remain Hawaii’s primary economic driver,” said Case. “Because of our geographic isolation and limited economic diversification, lawful domestic and international travel is foundational to our fiscal stability, workforce participation and small business ecosystem. In 2025, Hawai‘i welcomed approximately 9.6 million visitors and Honolulu’s industry and visitor spending generated $12 billion in economic activity, supported 64,000 jobs and contributed $1.9 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue.

“International travel remains an important component of Hawaii’s visitor industry. While overall visitor spending has increased, key international markets remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels. As Hawai‘i continues its recovery and works to rebuild these relationships, maintaining a predictable and efficient entry process for lawful travelers is critical to supporting jobs, small businesses and public revenues across our islands. The last thing we need now is unnecessarily restrictive travel requirements that send international travelers elsewhere with no return on our national security.”

Case urged DHS to “reconsider and revise this proposal to ensure that enhanced security measures are narrowly tailored and do not unintentionally deter lawful travel. I further request meaningful consultation with Hawaii’s state and local leaders, hospitality industry representatives and economic stakeholders before finalizing any changes to ESTA or I-94 requirements.”

###

Case Statement On The Passing Of Former U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) issued the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa:

“With the passing of former U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa, Hawai‘i has lost one of our most talented, committed and accomplished public servants,” said U.S. Representative Ed Case, who succeeded Representative Hanabusa in 2019 as Representative of Hawaii’s First Congressional District (Honolulu).

“Representative Hanabusa achieved so much throughout multiple careers, including her almost seven years in Congress, where she was a valued and effective legislator, especially in strengthening our national defense, preserving our natural resources, advancing Native Hawaiians and protecting our civil rights.

“Hers was a life well lived for our Hawai‘i and country, for which I am grateful. For all who we were both honored to represent, I send my deep aloha to John and their family.”

###

Case Votes To Assert Congress' Exclusive Constitutional Authority To Authorize War

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittees on Defense and Homeland Security, issued the following statement on his vote in favor of H.Con.Res. 38, which would direct the President to halt the current Iran war unless and until authorized by Congress.

“I voted today to assert Congress’ exclusive authority under our Constitution to decide when, how and under what conditions our country goes to war. Given not just what the Constitution explicitly states but the risks and consequences of war and the lessons of history, no President should be allowed to ignore our Constitution and our foundational checks and balances and act unilaterally to take us into war. If President Trump believes we should wage war on Iran, he must make that case to Congress and the American people, and Congress must decide whether to authorize war.”

H.Con.Res. 38 does not either authorize or reject the Iran war, but states that the Iran war should not continue without Congressional authorization.

Despite Representative Case’s vote for this bipartisan measure, it failed to pass the House by a vote of 212 - 219.

###

Case Statement On U.S. Strikes On Iran

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittees on Defense and Homeland Security, issued the following statement on U.S. military strikes on Iran:

"Our Constitution and laws say that a President cannot take our country to war without Congressional authorization unless there’s an imminent threat to our country and then only for a limited period subject to Congressional approval. History teaches us that the grave risks and consequences of war are too great to allow any President to ignore these foundational checks and balances and act unilaterally.

"Iran cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them against us, and so there may be circumstances under which war would be our only option. But as there has been no demonstration of an imminent threat to our country, this action is not authorized and that cannot be ignored.
(more)

The President must fully explain to Congress and the American people the imminent threat we face justifying this action and the specific case for war. Congress must reconvene now to obtain all of the facts and vote to continue or end this military action.

"We all pray for our servicemembers in harm’s way and their families and for the innocent lives that are being lost and shattered."

###

Case Statement On The President's State Of The Union Address

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1) issued the following statement after attending President Trump’s State of the Union address tonight to Congress:

“This was the most unpresidential State of the Union I have heard. Stoking fear, inflaming prejudice, playing to division, turning American against American, refusing responsibility, undermining democracy, gaslighting the real challenges Americans face, further alienating the world.

“Most directly, the President again scoffed at affordability, as if somehow we should not believe the reality we live of unacceptably high costs of food, health care, housing, childcare, education, small business, and on and on. Mr. President, the people of Hawai‘i do not feel that life is better on your watch.

“Regardless, I will continue to work with this administration, my colleagues in Congress and anyone else who wants to find real solutions to the real challenges we face. And I will continue, as part of a separate, independent and co-equal branch of government, to oversee and check and balance the President wherever I must.”

###

Case Votes To Fund And Reopen Seventy Percent Of Federal Government

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

(Washington, DC) -- U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-HI-01), a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for federal funding, today voted for a package of six appropriations measures to end the current partial government shutdown and focus on full reform of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

As a member of his Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittees on Defense and on Homeland Security, Case spoke in favor of the measure in full House debate. A clip of his remarks is here. A copy of his remarks is attached, and his remarks are reprinted in full below.

“I join the vast majority of Americans in condemning the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” said Case in his full House speech. The best way for us to reform ICE is to keep our laser focus on ICE reform. This measure does exactly that. It gives this administration and my majority colleagues ten days to work with us all to do the right thing. And unless the right thing is done, we should not fund the Department of Homeland Security.

“But this measure also funds 70% of our federal government rather than shut it down again. We must pass this measure now. And it must not be, need not be, and will not be at the expense of ICE reform. We sacrifice none of that mandate to reform ICE by passing this bill today.”

The $1.2 trillion measure will fully fund the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, Education, Labor, Housing and Urban Development, Education, Treasury, and various agencies including the Small Business Administration, including over 20,000 Hawai’i federal civilian employees, through the current fiscal year (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026). It also provides short term funding of the Department of Homeland Security at current levels through February 13^th only to achieve full ICE reform.

The funding measure passed the House and the President has signed it into law.

Case’s full House remarks follow:

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

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

February 3, 2026

Remarks of U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai’i-First District)

[The Speaker] “The gentlewoman from Connecticut is recognized.”

[Rep. DeLauro] “Madam Speaker, I yield four minutes to the gentleman from Hawaii, a member of the Appropriations Committee. Mr. Case.”

[The Speaker] “The gentleman from Hawaii is recognized for four minutes.”

[Rep. Case] “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 and their grieving families. Warrantless searches. Fear in our own citizens. (Last week a sitting state senator in my own district relayed that she was fearful of going out to talk with our constituents in her community without her passport.)

“This is unacceptable. This is un-American. ICE must be reformed. And until it is, neither it nor its parent entity, the Department of Homeland Security, should be fully funded. And the best way for us to reform ICE is to keep our laser focus on ICE reform.

“This measure does exactly that. It gives this administration and my majority colleagues ten days to work with us all to do the right thing. And unless the right thing is done, we should not fund the Department of Homeland Security.

“But this measure also funds 70% of our federal government rather than shut it down again. Let me focus on just a few areas where this is critical.

“Let's start with defense. Half of our total budget in a time that it is critical to our national security that our Defense Department be fully operating, be fully focused, be nimble, be quick, be able to adjust. And yet we have kept our Defense Department essentially crippled for sixteen months now, as the last time we funded it in regular order and gave it direction through funding and oversight was Fiscal Year 2024.

“They've been operating on a continuing resolution for sixteen months now, and that cripples national security. That is a national security risk. No new programs. Procurement that is excessively expensive because it cannot function over multi-years. No effective systemwide modernization. Any military leader will tell you that the worst thing going for our national defense right now, in a time when it has to adjust to the PRC, to Russia, across a variety of focuses, is another government shutdown or continuing resolution.

“Let’s look at financial services and general government. This bill funds our federal courts. Can we envision a time in our history when it was more important that our federal courts be fully staffed and funded? I don't think so.

“This bill funds Social Security. It enables Social Security to continue to function for the millions of Americans who depend on it, all at a time when Social Security is being crippled by staff cuts.

“Let’s look at foreign affairs. This bill provides continued security assistance to our friends and allies throughout the world. It maintains some effective projection of presence out into the world. It funds the Countering PRC Influence Fund that is so important to our efforts.

“Let’s look at transportation. This bill funds the Federal Aviation Administration so that our air transportation system can continue to function.

“This measure funds federal workers throughout our government who have borne the brunt of our failure to appropriate in regular order, causing a record-setting shutdown. It helps millions of workers throughout our country by assuring them that they can continue working and getting paid without great doubt.

“We must pass this measure now. And it must not be, need not be, and will not be at the expense of ICE reform. We sacrifice none of that mandate to reform ICE by passing this bill today.

“I would finally say to our Department of Homeland Security employees throughout the country who have served us so well through so much difficulty in the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Transportation Security Administration and other agencies. You do critical work for us all, and we apologize to you that we must create more uncertainty for you for now. But we ask you to understand that reforming ICE is critical, not just to those that are suffering at the hands of ICE. It is critical to our country. You will be paid because this measure continues your pay. But until we get this resolved, you must live with the uncertainty. We truly appreciate your understanding and service.

“Madam Speaker, I urge support of this measure and yield back.”

###

U.S. House Passes Last Four Of Twelve Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Bills To Prevent Another Shutdown And Reject Extreme Funding Cuts

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the key House Committee on Appropriations, responsible for all federal discretionary funding, today supported House passage of three of the four final annual appropriations bills for the current Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 (commencing October 1, 2026) but opposed the fourth.

The first measure which Case voted for included three of twelve annual appropriations measures:

The first bill includes $839 billion to fund the Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. intelligence community, including the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. Case’s Subcommittee on Defense is responsible for developing the bill.

The measure also includes $224 billion for federal labor, health, human services and education programs - $50 billion more than President Trump’s budget request.

The third funding bill appropriates $103 billion for the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a historic $7.2 billion increase for HUD despite the administration’s call to cut the department in half.

The second measure against which Case voted included $64 billion – a decrease of $800 million below current funding levels – for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“The Homeland Security measure includes many provisions for which I advocated throughout our appropriations process,” said Case, a member of the Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security with jurisdiction over the bill. “However, I voted against the measure largely because it did not include any effective oversight over the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) despite widespread concerns.”

The DHS funding measure also passed the House, meaning that the House has now passed all twelve of Case’s Appropriations Committee’s annual funding bills. If as expected they pass the Senate next week and are signed into law by the President, another federal government shutdown will be averted.

Through his assignment on the Appropriations Committee, Case also secured the seven Member-designated Community Project Funding projects totaling $7.5 million across the bills that specifically focused on local needs in Hawai‘i.

Details on each of the four bills are as follows:

Defense

The FY 2026 Defense bill proposes to spend $838.7 billion, an increase of less than one percent over the FY 2025 enacted level, for federal agencies and programs in the DoD, including the military services and intelligence community, including the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency.

“The Department of Defense measure not only funds programs critical to our national security interests in the Indo-Pacific but also continues to recognize the critical role Hawai‘i plays in the region,” said Case, who is in his eighth year on Appropriations. Case currently serves on its Subcommittee on Defense with jurisdiction over defense and intelligence community funding.

Case highlighted programs and provisions that he requested and secured in the Defense funding measure that are especially critical to Hawai‘i, including:

· $30 million to continue efforts to replace O‘ahu’s outdated air surveillance radar, which is needed to defend Hawai‘i from missile attacks.

· Directing the Navy to support a program to control and eradicate invasive coral at naval installations, which is in response to the invasive coral found at the mouth of Pearl Harbor.

· Protecting the special contracting preference for Native Hawaiian businesses.

· $369 million for the Navy’s Environmental Restoration program plus an additional $235 million for the cleanup of Formerly Used Defense Sites. These funds will help accelerate efforts to remediate per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination and remove unexploded ordnance and discarded military munitions in Hawai‘i and throughout the nation.

· Funding for two Virginia-class fast attack submarines, which are critical to protecting the Indo-Pacific and are maintained at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.

· $171 million for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which maintains critical scientific laboratories at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

· $167 million for the Sea-Based X-Band Radar, which helps defend Hawai‘i from ballistic missile threats.

· Over $267 million for “Civil-Military Programs,” which will support Hawaii’s Youth Challenge Academy.

· $70 million for Impact Aid programs, which help Hawaii’s public schools by partially reimbursing the cost of educating military children.

· Blocked efforts to change the command and control structure of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. There have been efforts within the department to streamline control of forces under one command structure, which would limit the ability of Navy forces in Hawai‘i to respond quickly to changing threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

Case requested and supported other programs and provisions in the measure that are especially critical to the broader Indo-Pacific, including:

· $8 million for the Asia Pacific Regional Initiative (APRI) Program, managed by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. APRI supports a wide range of exercises, humanitarian assistance, programs and training symposiums that help expand U.S. influence in the Indo-Pacific. The initiative is an important tool for the U.S. military to strengthen relationships throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

· Continued support for providing humanitarian and other assistance by U.S. military Civic Action Teams in the Freely Associated States.

General military-related programs and provisions supported by Case related to the DoD overall include:

· 3.8% basic pay increase for all military personnel.

· $1.3 billion for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). The CDMRP fills research gaps by funding high impact, high risk and high gain projects that other agencies may not venture to fund.

A summary of the defense provisions is here.

Transportation and Housing

The Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill incorporated important wins for Hawai‘i requested by Case including $5.5 million for Case’s Community Funding Projects (described below), as well as $22.3 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant and $28 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund (for both of which programs the President’s budget had proposed eliminating).

It also included Case’s request to continue funding for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety of the helicopter and small aircraft industry through accident investigation, analysis and recommendations to prevent future incidents, including several fatal accidents throughout Hawai‘i.

Through his assignment on the Committee, Case secured the following six Member-designated Community Project Funding projects that specifically focused on local needs in Hawai‘i:

· $2 million for the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation to repair Aloha Tower, including replacing its 40-foot mast, repairing the crown of the tower and replacing its windows to weatherproof the landmark.

This funding is essential to maintain Aloha Tower’s structural integrity, enhance public access and ensure that it remains a celebrated symbol of Honolulu’s history for generations to come.

$1 million for the City and County of Honolulu for its Waikīkī Vista Project. This project converts former Tokai University and Hawai‘i Pacific University classrooms into a consolidated, family-friendly emergency shelter and additional affordable housing units for low-income families. This investment will directly enhance the City’s ability to reduce family homelessness and expand affordable housing inventory in one of Hawaii’s most housing-challenged areas.

$850,000 for the City and County of Honolulu to support its Safe Harbor Support for Housing Survivors of Domestic Violence project. This funding will expand the Domestic Violence Action Center’s successful housing program by supporting property acquisition and staffing to increase safe and stable housing options for survivors and their children.

$850,000 for Kalihi Waena Elementary School to construct a new single-span pedestrian bridge with American with Disabilities Act-compliant access between Kūhiō Park Terrace and the school. The new bridge will replace dangerously deteriorating infrastructure and ensure safe and equitable access for students and community members.

$300,000 for Highlands Intermediate School to modernize and expand its media center infrastructure. The renovation will create a collaborative, technology-driven learning environment that fosters student creativity, innovation and digital literacy.

$250,000 for the Hawai‘i State Parks System and Hawai‘i Nature Center to upgrade educational and operational facilities, including classroom expansion and replacement of a sustainable wetland wastewater system supporting environmental education for thousands of Title I students annually.

$250,000 for the Hawai‘i State Broadband Office for broadband infrastructure development in our local community centers.

Funding will be used toward essential network enhancements, including rewiring, electrical system upgrades and the installation of Wi-Fi access points to ensure reliable, high-speed connectivity.

The House’s Community Project Funding rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office.

Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm.

The bill also includes the following funding requested by Case for programs to improve access to affordable housing in Hawai‘i and nationwide:

$22 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program, which supports the building, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable homes.
$1.3 billion for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, the only federal program dedicated to developing affordable housing.
$5 million for core housing research partnerships with Native Hawaiian serving institutions among other minority serving institutions.
$18.5 billion for project-based rental assistance.
$7 billion for the Community Development Fund, which includes $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant formula programs.
$4.4 billion for the Homeless Assistance Grants, which includes restored funding for the comprehensive approach to serving homeless youth.

Other transportation and infrastructure programs requested and secured by Case include:

$390 million for the Maritime Security Program, $103 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program and $35 million for assistance to small shipyards like Kalaeloa/Barbers Point.
$145 million for the NTSB, which plays a crucial role in investigating civil transportation accidents like helicopter crashes, and issues safety recommendations to prevent future incidents.
$18.6 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including $13.7 billion to fully fund air traffic control operations and allow the FAA to hire 2,500 air traffic controllers to replace the retiring workforce.
$64.3 billion for the Federal Highway Administration to improve the safety and long-term viability of our highways.
$16.5 billion for the Federal Transit Administration.

A summary of this funding measure is here.

Labor, Health and Human Services and Education

The annual appropriations bill for the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, and much of the Department of Health and Human Services includes various related agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“This measure funds many critical Hawai‘i priorities I requested, especially for Native Hawaiians,” said Case. “National programs that are so key to advancing virtually all Americans across multiple fronts to realize the full opportunities of our country that the administration proposed be decimated have been funded by my Committee.

“This includes support for youth from preschool through higher education, public health research and delivery through the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, workforce development through the Employment and Training Administration and Job Corps, maternal and child health and family planning, and substance abuse.”

Through his assignment on the Committee, Case was able to gain inclusion in the measure for his funding requests for federal programs and services especially important for the State of Hawai‘i including those affecting Native Hawaiians, workforce development, education, and community health care. These include:

· $64 million for Native American Nutrition and Supportive Services grants to promote the delivery of nutrition and home and community-based services to Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian kupuna.

· $63 million for Native American job training programs authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.

· $46 million for the Native Hawaiian Education Program.

· $25 million for the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Program. These funds will support tutoring, mentorships, internships, faculty development and other activities to support Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students at the collegiate level.

· $27 million for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, with $10 million being included for Papa Ola Lōkahi.

· $5 million to establish a Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Health Research Office within the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. These funds will be used to address Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander health disparities as well as supporting research being done by Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander investigators.

· $6 million for the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity within the Office of Minority Health to advance Indigenous solutions to achieve health equity and encourage the Department of Health and Human Services to partner with universities in these efforts.

· $4 million for the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program, which provides grants to Native American-serving organizations and federally recognized tribes to sustain indigenous heritage, culture and knowledge through museum-related services.

· $1.8 billion for the Job Corps Program, which provides career training and education for 16-24 year olds.

· $285 million for the Registered Apprenticeship Program.

· $105 million for the YouthBuild program to provide at-risk youth with basic education and job skills training in the construction field.

· $66 million for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.

· $47 billion for the National Institutes of Health, to support a wide range of biomedical and behavioral research.

· $1.5 billion for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health within the Department of Health and Human Services, to accelerate the pace of scientific breakthroughs for diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and cancer.

· $1.9 billion for Community Health Centers, to provide high quality cost-effective health care to predominantly low-income and medically underserved communities.

· $12.4 billion for Head Start, equal to the FY 2025 enacted level.

· $8.8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, equal to the FY 2025 enacted level.

· $1.5 billion for Career, Technical and Adult Education.

· $1.2 billion for the Federal TRIO Program, to provide academic support to low-income individuals, first-generation college students, veterans and individuals with disabilities.

· $129 million for McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, which provides homeless youth with the health services and academic support they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.

· $65 million to continue and expand Strengthening Community College Training Grants, which offer training to workers in in-demand industries at community colleges and four-year institutions to help meet local labor market needs.

· $22.5 billion for federal student aid programs to provide $7,395 for the maximum Pell Grant award.

Also included in the bill are multiple bipartisan provisions focused on pharmacy benefit manager reform through transparency and reporting requirements.

There is also an extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through the end of 2027 to ensure Medicare beneficiaries can continue to access telehealth services.

A summary of this funding bill is here.

Homeland Security

The $64.2 billion Homeland Security Appropriations bill supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service and more.

Despite his no vote on this funding bill, Case, through his assignment on the Subcommittee, secured $1 million for the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency’s (HIEMA) Emergency Operations Center IT Modernization Project. This is one of Case’s Member-designated Community Project Funding projects that specifically focuses on local needs in Hawai‘i. The project will fund the procurement and installation of touchscreen monitors for a new information wall at the emergency operations center to facilitate emergency response communications and instantaneous information sharing.

“These facilities will share information in real time so that emergency responders can make informed decisions and take necessary actions to save lives and protect property in the event of a disaster,” said Case.

The bill also responds to concerns raised about the Trump administration’s immigration efforts by:

· Rejecting the funding increase request for ICE.

· Reducing funding for ICE’s enforcement and removal operations by $115 million.

· Lowering Border Patrol funding by $1.8 billion (22 percent).

· Strengthening oversight of ICE and other DHS federal funding through a $37 million increase (20 percent) to Office of Inspector General.

· Including funding for both the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, two offices the Trump administration shuttered last year.

Case also secured a number of other key programs and provisions for Hawai‘i, including:

· $337 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants, which support state and local emergency management agencies like HIEMA.

· $342 million for FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which is a major source of funding for county fire departments.

· $342 million for FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program.

· $116 million to support the Coast Guard’s expanding mission in the Indo-Pacific.

· $15 million for the Coast Guard’s Honolulu Homeport Project, which funds expansion of operations and cutter maintenance activities at Base Honolulu.

· $100 million for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, a $9 million increase over FY 2025, which funds University of Hawaii’s National Disaster Preparedness Training Center.

· $65 million for the National Computer Forensic Institute, through which 397 state and local law enforcement officers from agencies in Hawai‘i have received a host of forensic training courses.

· $48 million for FEMA’s Next Generation Warning System.

· Language requiring a report on the opportunity for the Coast Guard to acquire additional pier and related space at Base Honolulu.

· Language requiring a report on unmet requirements for the infrastructure at the Coast Guard’s Air Station Barbers Point.

· Language encouraging TSA to address potential degradation of security scanning equipment at open-air airports.

The measure also includes the following national priorities requested by Case:

· $13.9 billion for the Coast Guard.

· Report language supporting the growth of CISA support in the Pacific Islands.

· Language requiring a report on Coast Guard engagement and needs in the Indo-Pacific.

· Language requiring a briefing on the Coast Guard’s role in combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which is a major issue in the Indo-Pacific.

· $584 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative under FEMA.

· $494 million for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, which provides funding to protect against terrorism and other threats.

· $124 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

· $95 million for FEMA’s Port Security Grant Program.

· $50 million for the TSA Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Program.

A summary of the bill is available here.

The measures now move to the full U.S. Senate for its consideration.

###

Case Announces Final House Passage Of Two More Of Twelve Annual Appropriations Measures Including Approval Of His Request To Continue Funding The East-West Center

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

(Washington, DC) -- U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the key House Committee on Appropriations, responsible for all federal discretionary funding, announced final House passage of a measure consolidating two more of twelve annual federal funding bills for the current Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 (commencing October 1, 2026).

The National Security, Department of State and Related Programs measure funds U.S. foreign policy efforts, including the Department of State, U.S. contributions to the United Nations and its agencies and more.

The bill has historically provided for international diplomatic presence and outreach as well as foreign assistance in public health, basic education, educational and cultural exchanges, climate change and more. The bill’s proposed FY 2026 discretionary funding level is $50 billion, or $9.3 billion less than the FY 2025 enacted level, reflecting the administration’s focus on reducing such programs.

The other bill – Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) – funds the U.S. Treasury Department, the Small Business Administration (SBA), federal courts, the Federal Communications Commission, the Office of Personnel Management and various independent agencies. The bill’s proposed FY 2026 discretionary funding level is $26 billion, $3.1 billion below the current FY 2025 enacted level.

National Security, Department of State and Related Programs

Case, while opposing the overall funding reductions, welcomed support in the bill for various of his requests related to Hawai‘i and the Indo-Pacific, especially $22 million for the East-West Center in Honolulu.

“As we continue to focus on the growing influence of the PRC in the Indo-Pacific, our national security interests must also include diplomatic engagement and assistance to promote peace and diplomacy in the region,” said Case.

“Continued funding for our East-West Center and other world-leading institutions in Hawai‘i supports our country’s standing in an area widely seen as the most dynamic and critical on earth.”

“For all seven of my years on Appropriations, I have ranked full funding for the Center at the top of my annual requests to my Committee because I believe not only in the Center’s invaluable work but in what it represents for Hawaii’s central role in the Indo-Pacific and in the broader benefits that bring high-quality jobs to our overall economy,” he said.

“Though we still await final approval by the Senate and the President, I’m grateful that my colleagues have again favorably considered my request, especially when the President’s budget proposed zero funding for the Center.”

Other bill provisions requested by Case, who continues as co-chair of the House Pacific Islands Caucus, include:

· $1.8 billion for the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, which promotes peace, prosperity and democracy in the region.

· $175 million in assistance for the Pacific Islands region, the same as FY 2025 enacted levels.

· $20 million for the Pacific Islands Forum’s Pacific Resilience Facility, a Pacific-led and member-owned financial institution designed to support Pacific Islands nations facing climate change and disaster risks.

· $3 million for the Advancing Port Enhancement and Customs Security Program in the Pacific Islands.

· Funding for Pacific Islands exchange programs, with a focus on partnering with universities in Pacific locations.

· Funding for small grants programs to assist local communities across the Pacific Islands.

· Report language supporting the Peace Corps’ expansion in the Pacific.

· Funding for a demand-driven initiative to diversify trade opportunities in the Pacific Islands.

· Funding for a Flexible Microfinance Facility for the Pacific Islands, launched by the Development Finance Corporation with the Department of State.

· Report language supporting funding for free and open media in the Pacific.

· Funding for trade capacity-building activities in the Pacific Islands.

· Language requiring a report on ways to strengthen U.S. trade and investment with the Pacific Islands.

· Funding for unexploded ordinance removal in the Pacific Islands, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Kiribati.

· Language requiring a strategy for faith-based engagement for assistance in the Pacific Islands.

The bill further includes funding for several foreign policy programs supported by Case, although some at unacceptably low levels. Among them are:

$411 million for the Peace Corps.
$335 million for peacekeeping operations.
$1.2 billion to support international peacekeeping activities.
$667 million for educational and cultural exchange programs, which include the Fulbright programs.
$1.4 billion for contributions to international organizations.
$1.3 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
$915 million for maternal and child health programs.

“While I voted for this measure because it did fund many critical Hawai‘i and Indo-Pacific priorities I requested, the bill as a whole weakens our global leadership when the world most needs our continued full engagement,” said Case.

“Yet this outcome was more favorable than the one proposed by the Trump administration and the previous House version,” continued Case. “The final version of the bill succeeded in rejecting the full extent of President Trump’s proposed cuts by investing $50 billion in U.S. global leadership, which is $19 billion or 61 percent above President Trump’s request.”

When Case spoke in Committee last year, he said the foreign affairs funding measure is a critical tool to ensure we do not “split our alliances, partnerships and friendships and cast our country as an unreliable partner,” allowing the People’s Republic of China to fill voids left by U.S. disengagement. His remarks are here.

A summary of the National Security and Department of State Appropriations bill is here.

Financial Services and General Government

“This measure funds many critical national and local priorities for Hawai‘i that I requested, in particular programs assisting some 134,000 small businesses that form the backbone of Hawaii’s economy,” said Case.

The bill provides $1 billion for SBA, an increase of $383 million above the budget request and $169 million above the initial House level. The bill includes $330 million, an increase of $13 million above FY 2025 enacted and $180 million above the request, for Entrepreneurial Development Programs.

“These include efforts that aid entrepreneurs, provide mentorship training and expand trade opportunities in the international marketplace,” explained Case.

The final version of the bill includes $324 million for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund Program, up from $277 million initially proposed by House Republicans.

Last year Case spoke in Committee in support of CDFIs, which play an important role in helping Hawai‘i. It assists specialized community-based financial institutions that promote economic development by providing financial products and services to people and communities underserved by traditional financial institutions, particularly in low-income and minority communities. See his speech in the Appropriations Committee here.

Case stressed that in Hawai‘i alone, there are 11 certified CDFIs that in Fiscal Year 2023 made loans totaling $132 million. He urged full funding to the CDFI Fund and opposed any efforts to freeze CDFI funding.

Case also gained approval of his funding requests for several federal programs and services especially important for the State of Hawai‘i including:

· $28 million for CDFI Native Initiatives, which provides Financial Assistance and Technical Assistance awards to build the capacity of CDFIs serving Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities.

· $5.3 million for the SBA Native American Outreach Program.

· $150 million for Small Business Development Centers, which supports six SBDC in Hawai‘i.

· $41 million for the Microloan Technical Assistance Program.

· $27 million for the Women’s Business Centers Program, which supports the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership.

· $9 million for the Regional Innovation Clusters Program.

· $20 million for the State Trade Expansion Program.

· $7 million for the Program for Investors in Micro-Entrepreneurs.

· $4 million for the Historically Underutilized Business Zones Program.

· $109 million for the Drug-Free Communities Program.

· $299 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program.

· $1.8 billion for Defender Services.

In addition, the bill included his provision directing the SBA to coordinate with relevant federal agencies, businesses, employees and financial institutions to expand employee business ownership, including cooperatives and employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), provide technical assistance to assist employees in becoming business owners, and assist in accessing capital sources.

"ESOPs and similar employee ownership structures are vital to building succession plans to ensure small businesses remain in their communities where they belong,” said Case. “In Hawai‘i, we’ve seen firsthand the benefits of ESOPs. Hawai‘i is home to the second-oldest ESOP chapter in the nation, underscoring the success and importance of employee-owned businesses in our state.”

This provision builds off Case’s bipartisan measure (H.R. 2993) that would assist small businesses to adopt ESOPs, which offer a tested solution to employment and business productivity, stability and ownership transfer. (See here for more information.)

“While this measure funds many critical national and local priorities for Hawai‘i that I requested, there are also severe funding cuts to national programs assisting small businesses, including efforts that aid entrepreneurs, provide mentorship training and expand trade opportunities in the international marketplace.”

In addition, the bill provides $45 million in funding for Election Security Grants to safeguard elections and democracy, $30 million above FY 2025.

“In addition, the bill invests in agencies that protect the public, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission at a level of $151 million, which keeps us safe against unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with defective products,” said Case.

A summary of the FSGG Appropriations bill is available is here.

This measure now moves to the full U.S. Senate for consideration.

###

Case Votes For Final Passage Of Three More Of Twelve Annual Appropriations Measures With Millions For Hawaii To Fight Crime, Protect The Environment And Boost Tourism

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the key House Committee on Appropriations, responsible for all federal discretionary funding, yesterday voted for final House passage of a measure consolidating three more of twelve annual appropriations bills for the current Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 (commencing October 1, 2026).

The measure, which passed the House, included Case’s requests for funding of hundreds of millions to federal programs of direct benefit to Hawai‘i. It also included all of Case’s six requests for Community Project Funding in these three measures to specific projects throughout his district.

The measure includes three bills, starting with $39 billion to fund the Department of the Interior, including the National Parks Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Environmental Protection Agency.

The measure also includes $63 billion for the Department of Energy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) civil works programs and various energy programs.

Finally, the measure includes $81 billion for Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) and Related Agencies programs that support the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Justice and various science agencies.

Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Bill

The Interior, Environment and Related Appropriations bill funds the U.S. Department of the Interior, including the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service and various independent agencies including the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities.

The bill includes Case’s request for a Member-designated Community Funding Project (CPF) of $1,092,000 to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) to upgrade the sewer infrastructure at Papakōlea.

“Papakōlea is the only Hawaiian Home Lands community located in central Honolulu with more than 300 homes and some 1,300 residents,” said Case.

“As the infrastructure in Papakōlea ages, the sewer system has become susceptible to cracks, root intrusions and other defects that diminish the effectiveness of the service lines. My CPF will assist DHHL to work on a sewer line rehabilitation/replacement program for the community.”

The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office.

Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm.

The measure approved several of Case’s priority requests, including:

· $4.75 million for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s State of the Birds Activities to respond to the urgent needs of critically endangered birds that now face possible extinction. These funds are helping to save numerous endemic birds in Hawai‘i that have been devastated by climate change and avian malaria.

· $45.5 million for the U.S. Geological Survey Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program.

· $64 million for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Climate Adaptation Science Centers, which includes the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center based out of the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa. These centers provide regionally relevant scientific information, tools and techniques to resource managers and communities in Hawai‘i in response to our changing climate.

· $62 million for State Historic Preservation Offices which help preserve Hawaii’s treasured historic properties.

· $76 million for State Fire Assistance, which provides financial and technical support directly to states to enhance firefighting capacity, support community-based hazard mitigation and expand outreach and education to homeowners and communities concerning fire prevention.

· $4.6 million for Japanese Confinement Site Grants and funding for the Amache National Historic Site, which was one of ten incarceration sites established by the War Relocation Authority during World War II to detain Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their communities on the West Coast.

· $3 million for the Joint Fire Science Program, which supports a national collaboration of fire science exchanges providing science information to federal, state, local, tribal and private stakeholders.

A summary of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations is here.

Energy and Water Bill

The Energy and Water bill funds the Department of Energy (DOE), the USACE’s civil works programs, the Bureau of Reclamation and agencies focused on nuclear energy.

The bill includes numerous wins for Hawai‘i requested by Case, including funding for USACE programs that aid in the preservation of Hawaii’s coastlines across all seven inhabited islands. Specifically, the bill includes $2 million to study avenues of protection for public infrastructure on small beaches from erosion and damage caused by storms and natural wave currents; $2 million for regional sediment management, construction, operations and regulatory functions in the coastal zone; and $36.5 million for programs which manage aquatic weeds in public waters.

Notably, one of Case’s highest priorities, an instruction to the USACE to improve plans to upgrade Honolulu Harbor, was included in the bill. This provision directs the USACE to investigate modifications to Honolulu Harbor to better handle the impacts of military operations in the state and throughout the Indo-Pacific as a whole, which can open up additional federal resources for the planned improvements of Honolulu Harbor.

Also included in the bill is $9.5 million for a USACE program that aids in the planning, designing and construction of small projects for commercial navigation purposes such as channels, breakwaters and jetties. This funding will assist in statewide harbor modifications.

Other energy and water related programs and provisions requested and secured by Case in the measure include:

· $2 million for the USACE’s beach erosion and hurricane and storm damage reduction activities.

· $40 million for flood control and coastal emergency efforts.

· $18 million for the USACE’s National Coastal Mapping Program, which provides high-resolution elevation and imagery data along the U.S. shorelines on a recurring basis which can provide a better understanding of human uses, issues and constraints in coastal regions.

· $36.5 million for the USACE’s Aquatic Plant Control Program, which conducts research and development of biological, chemical, cultural and ecological capabilities for controlling invasive aquatic plants.

· Language modifying a clean energy program under DOE that has been widely beneficial for Hawai‘i. The newly named Energy Technology Innovation Office, previously known as the Energy Transitions Initiative, supports island and remote communities by providing personalized technical and financial assistance. Case recently introduced legislation to make this program permanent. (See here for more details.)

· Language directing the DOE to investigate potential benefits of small-modular nuclear reactors as a source of clean, domestically sourced electricity for remote, noncontiguous U.S. areas such as Hawai‘i.

A summary of the energy and water provisions is here.

CJS and Related Agencies

The CJS and Related Agencies Appropriations bill supports the U.S. Department of Commerce, including the International Trade Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Institute of Standards and Technology; the U.S. Department of Justice; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); the National Science Foundation (NSF) and more.

During deliberations last year in his Appropriations Committee, Case secured a direction to the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to produce its agreements with other federal agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for use by those other agencies of BOP facilities such as the Federal Detention Center (FDC)-Honolulu. The amendment was prompted by BOP’s refusal to provide Case its agreement with ICE and details on ICE’s use of FDC-Honolulu and other facilities for ICE detainee needs.

Case remarked that a request by a Member of Congress for such information was a normal part of legislative, funding and oversight duties and any refusal to produce such information was not acceptable.

His amendment was adopted, and his remarks in Committee (which also addressed support for funding of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), especially given Hawaii’s recent tsunami and hurricane close calls) are here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7mFWp4FpWc

Through his assignment on the Committee, Case also secured his following five Community Project Funding requests that specifically focused on local needs in Hawai‘i:

· $1 million for the Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources to survey and remove invasive coral spread at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

· $1 million for the University of Hawai‘i for its Fireshed Partnerships program, which would facilitate wildfire risk reduction.

· $1 million for the Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources to restore fishpond habitat and enhance water quality at Maunalua Fishpond.

· $1.15 million for Hawai‘i Pacific University to develop its Aquaculture Program, improving the workforce pipeline and bolstering the aquaculture industry in Hawaiʻi.

· $1 million for the Honolulu Police Department to do acquire a new Emergency Mobile Command Vehicle to replace its current vehicle which is over 20 years old.

Other provisions which Case requested and were included in the measure to fund the Department of Justice include:

· $397 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne-JAG). Byrne-JAG is the leading federal source of criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. The funds are used to support a range of program areas including law enforcement; prosecution and court; prevention and education; corrections and community corrections; drug treatment and enforcement; planning, evaluation and technology improvement; and crime victim and witness initiatives.

· $800 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The COPS program provides funding directly to law enforcement agencies to hire and/or rehire additional career law enforcement officers to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.

· $54 million for grants to reduce the sexual assault kit backlog.

· $48 million for the Anti-Methamphetamine and Anti-Heroin Task Forces.

· “Rising crime, both related and unrelated to gun violence, is of great concern to us all, and must be combatted at all levels of government,” said Case. “State and local law enforcement need increased assistance from our federal government to address crime at the state and local level.”

“The funding I secured in the bill will help local and state law enforcement to not only investigate and prosecute crime but will also go to prevention and education programs to stop crime before it happens.”

The provisions which Case won support to fund various science initiatives include:

· $250 million for the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, which enhances the research competitiveness of Hawai‘i by strengthening STEM capacity and capability.

· $104 million for the Climate Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes program to support the maintenance and needed repairs at the Atmospheric Baseline Observatories, including the Mauna Loa Observatory where the famous Keeling Curve proving rapid climate change was developed.

· $143 million for STEM Engagement Programs at NASA including Space Grant, to inspire young people to pursue future careers in science and engineering.

· $33.5 million for the Coral Reef Conservation Program.

· $67 million for Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas, which supports Papahānaumokuākea and our Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale sanctuaries.

· $178 million for Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles Protection, which safeguards our Hawaiian monk seals, dolphins, false killer whales and green sea turtles.

· $47.5 million for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), which supports our Hawaii’s Pacific Island (Pac) IOOS. PacIOOS provides easily accessible coastal and ocean observing and forecasting to increase ocean safety and protect public and environmental health.

· $17 million for the Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments program, which provides vital research that allows communities to prepare for and respond to long-term shifts in weather patterns, resource availability and coastal conditions.

· $34 million for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, which includes support for education and restoration of coastal and marine habitats in He‘eia .

· $80 million for the Sea Grant Program, which supports the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Program at the University of Hawaiʻi that promotes healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies and environmental literacy and workforce development.

Provisions which Case secured to promote commerce in Hawaiʻi include:

· $175 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. This public-private partnership has centers in all 50 states, including Hawaiʻi, dedicated to serving small and medium-sized manufacturers.

· $4 million for the Minority Business Development Agency specifically for the Native American Business Development Program that awards grants to Tribes and American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian populations to address barriers to economic development, and another $5 million for grants to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian entities qualified to provide business, financing and technical assistance.

· $3.5 million for the Assistant Secretary of Travel and Tourism position, which Case worked to establish in the Visit America Act to drive a cohesive federal response to the challenges facing the industry.

A summary of the CJS and Related Agencies Appropriations funding bill is here.

The omnibus measure funding these agencies now moves on to the full U.S. Senate for consideration.

###