Mazie Hirono

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote for amendment No. 20. What this amendment does is to protect Medicare and Medicaid in a way that will help millions of people in our country, and it comports with President-Elect Trump's promise to protect Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid. So I urge my colleagues to vote for amendment No. 20. I yield the floor.

Ms. HIRONO. Madam President, I would like to reclaim the time that Democrats have to talk about the Hirono-Donnelly amendment. We are expecting some of our colleagues to be here. I see Senator Blumenthal. Thank you.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, pursuant to section 904 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, I move to waive section 305(b) of that act for purposes of the pending amendment, and I ask for the yeas and nays.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the many accomplishments of my colleague Senator Barbara Mikulski, the dean of the Senate women. When she took office during the 100th Congress in 1987, Barbara was the first Democratic woman Senator elected in her own right. There were only two women Senators at the time, Barbara and Nancy Kassebaum. Certain expectations that we could consider arcane, such as women were expected to wear skirts or dresses on the floor, were still in place. In 1993, Barbara, Nancy, and their staffs mounted a simple protest--they wore trousers on the Senate floor. ``The Senate parliamentarian had looked at the rules to see if it was okay,'' she recounted. ``So, I walk on that day and you would have thought I was walking on the moon. It caused a big stir.'' As someone who rarely wears skirts and only wears pantsuits on the Senate floor, I and many others are grateful. This simple act of commonsense defiance, if you will, in a body steeped in tradition, exemplifies Barbara's approach to getting things done and getting on with the important matters of the day. That she is a trailblazer goes without saying. Throughout her time in the Senate, Barbara has fought for equal pay for equal work. The gender pay gap costs women hundreds of thousands of dollars over their lifetime. She led the charge in the Senate to pass the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and I am proud to stand with her in calling for the passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act and other equal pay proposals. As our dean, usually over dinner, we get to know each other on a personal level. In a body where these opportunities are rare, it matters. During the summer of 2014, it was my turn to host our gathering. I greeted each Senator with a lei, served local food from Hawaii, and hosted a hula performance. The Aloha spirit was definitely present. The next day, Barbara told me that the dinner was very special and gave her a better understanding about what it must be like to be in Hawaii. It meant a lot to me for Barbara to make that observation because Hawaii truly is a special place where embracing and caring for others, our ohana, is how we aspire to live. Barbara has shown her Aloha spirit to me and so many others throughout her time in public service. I will miss her wit, leadership, drive, and compassion. Aloha, Barbara, and a hui hou, ``until we meet again.''

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the contributions of my colleague and friend, Senator Barbara Boxer. While her distinguished time in the House and Senate comes to a close at the end of the 114th Congress, she will continue to be engaged and serve her community. During her more than 30 years in the House and Senate, Barbara worked tirelessly to create a better future for all Americans. When she first announced that she would run for the Senate in 1990, Barbara declared, ``I will be running based on issues of the environment, a world of peace, economic prosperity, individual freedom of choice and freedom of the arts.'' This declaration defined her time in Congress. Becoming the first woman to chair the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works reflected her decades of dedication to protecting the environment. Barbara was unafraid to take on big oil, and fought to block oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. She also led the effort in the Senate to invest in the development of clean energy technology and to strengthen protections for our oceans. Barbara knew that, for many, achieving ``economic prosperity'' meant attaining a college education. But the soaring cost of college keeps them from attaining a degree. Each year, Barbara was one of the strongest leaders to ensure that college students have access to Pell grants, which nearly half of college students in our country depend upon. Barbara's advocacy moved the ball forward, and I was proud to join her in crafting a caucus-wide bill that included our provisions to strengthen and protect Pell grants, and lower interest rates on student debt. Barbara also never forgot her promise to protect ``freedom of choice.'' She authored the Freedom of Choice Act of 2004, which would have affirmed that ``every woman has the fundamental right'' to make her own reproductive health decisions. Without fail, Barbara leads us each and every time that access to reproductive health care comes under attack. While Barbara's departure leaves the Senate without one of its strongest champions for the environment, college affordability, and reproductive rights, we will continue to fight for these core priorities as she would have done. It has been a privilege to serve alongside a steadfast champion like Barbara. She has served Maryland with utter conviction, and I know she will continue to be a progressive force in this new chapter of her life. Aloha, Barbara, and a hui hou, ``until we meet again.''

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I wish to congratulate Maui's Komoda Store and Bakery on their 100-year anniversary. I visited the bakery in Makawao last month and met the Komoda and Shibuya families who are carrying on the tradition of serving the Maui community. In 1916, Takezo and Shigeri Komoda opened a mom-and-pop general store, selling bread, saimin, and fresh sandwiches primarily to Makawao town residents. By 1932, they expanded their store and began selling groceries and other household items. Takezo and Shigeri passed on the bakery to their sons Takeo and Ikuo, who ran the store for the next 50 years. While the bakery is what Komoda's is known for today, Ikuo is the only member of the family who received formal training in 1947 when he traveled to Minnesota to study baking. Over time, Komoda's transitioned from a general store to a bakery, serving fresh bread, butter rolls, and pastries like stick donuts, malasadas, Chantilly cake, and cream puffs. By the 1990s, Takeo and Ikuo considered retiring and closing the bakery. However, Takeo's son-in-law, Calvin Shibuya, did not want to see the family business close. After training with chief baker Ikuo Komoda, Calvin and his wife, Betty, took over the bakery. Their daughter, Michele, is now learning the business, the baking from her father and the retail side from her mother. Komoda Bakery is an institution in upcountry Maui. Each day, people line up in the morning to purchase their baked goods. They only make a set amount each day, so if you don't go early, they oftentimes sell out. Many take the delectable treats from Komoda's to neighbor islands to share with family and friends in the time-honored tradition of omiyage, or gift. When I visited right before Thanksgiving, which is their busiest time of the year, the store was bustling with activity, and the counters were stacked with fruit, pumpkin, and custard pies. Congratulations to Komoda Bakery on 100 years of success. We thank the Komoda family and their longtime employees who each day wake early to prepare the delicious handmade and homemade baked goods enjoyed by generations. I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record a Maui News article, which chronicles the Komoda family's dedication and success.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the many accomplishments of my friend, Senator Harry Reid, my colleague from Nevada, during his storied career in the U.S. Senate. Growing up in a modest household without an indoor bathroom, hot water, or a telephone, Harry learned the values of family, faith, and education. Harry understood that it is the most vulnerable in society that need the strongest champions, someone to fight for them. Harry's service to the people of Nevada began long before he came to Congress. After attending law school at George Washington University, Leader Reid returned home and served as Henderson's City Attorney. At the age of 28, he was elected to the Nevada State Assembly. Two years later, Leader Reid became the youngest Lieutenant Governor in Nevada history. Harry experienced political losses early in his career, but he never let that hold him back. After 5 years as chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission, Harry won election to the U.S. House in 1982. He served two terms before winning his first U.S. Senate race in 1986. Harry's stint as an amateur boxer taught him to never back down from a fight, no matter how big. Throughout his Senate career, the people of Nevada have been able to count on Harry to fight for them. He has spearheaded investments in clean energy, established Nevada's first national park, Great Basin National Park, and led passage of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill of Rights. As majority leader, he shepherded landmark legislation through the Senate--The Affordable Care Act, Wall Street Reform, the Recovery Act, and many more. Despite the powerful interests lining up to defeat these efforts, Harry didn't back down. He worked hard and got things done. As a result, millions of Americans have health care. We have fought our way back from the Great Recession of 2008. Consumers now have more protection against powerful companies. It is fair to say, Harry's leadership has improved our country and our families' lives. Today I want to focus on a few issues where I was particularly proud to have worked with him. Leader Reid has been a longtime champion for the Filipino World War II Veterans. This group of over 260,000 Filipino veterans answered President Roosevelt's call during World War II and fought heroically under the U.S. flag. Unfortunately, they have had to endure another fight over the course of seven decades--the fight for the recognition and benefits they were promised. Leader Reid has been at the forefront of this fight. He has helped secure compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. We have worked together to reunify the remaining veterans with their children. And just last week, the House passed and sent the President my legislation awarding Filipino World War II veterans the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow. Leader Reid was instrumental in getting this bill through the Senate, and I deeply appreciate his support. Nevada is home to a vibrant Filipino-American community. Leader Reid is deeply familiar with the experiences and struggles of Filipino veterans and their families. He worked with Hawaii's late Senator Dan Inouye to create the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund within the VA in 2009. The fund's creation was a significant step forward in recognizing the dedicated service and sacrifice of these veterans. I was proud to have Leader Reid join me in our successful effort to secure appropriations language prohibiting any attempts to direct these funds to other programs. This past May, the Obama administration finalized a parole program that would allow family members of Filipino World War II veterans to come to the United States to be reunited with their aging parents and siblings. These veterans had already waited decades to be reunited with their children in the Philippines. Speaking at my press conference announcing the program, Harry honored the veterans' sacrifice saying, ``in those islands where MacArthur left, the Filipinos were left there with some of our troops and they fought valiantly and were not recognized.'' Finally, I want to highlight Leader Reid's work on immigration. In 2009, while campaigning in Nevada, a young woman named Astrid Silva slipped a note to Harry. Astrid was brought to the United States when she was 4 years old. Unable to work legally, Astrid babysat to earn money. She excelled at school but feared deportation if she applied to college. In the following years, Astrid and Harry corresponded, and he learned of the hopes, dreams, and struggles of the DREAMers. In a 2013 interview hours before the Senate passed comprehensive immigration reform, Harry said, ``This is why I did this . . . because of some things she said.'' Later, when speaking on the floor before the vote, Harry said, ``I appreciate every one of those letters she sent me, because each was a reminder of what is at stake in this debate.'' A testament to Harry's character, even while serving in one of the most powerful roles in Washington, Harry never forgot who he was fighting for. Aloha, Harry. As we say in Hawaii, a hui hou, ``until we meet again.''

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, every year I hear from hundreds of constituents about the transformative impact Medicare has on their lives. For many of them, Medicare is literally the difference between life and death, between living with dignity or in abject poverty. It is as dramatic as that. Before we passed Medicare 51 years ago, slightly more than half of our seniors--in Hawaii we call our seniors kupuna--had health insurance. Only half. The insurance they had was very expensive and did not cover much. Millions could barely afford routine medical care, let alone treatment for a catastrophic illness. For the past 50 years, our seniors have approached retirement with the peace of mind of knowing that Medicare will be there for them. It is part of a commitment we have made to care for and honor our kupuna. To understand what life would be like for our seniors without Medicare, we don't need to look to the distant past before we had Medicare; we can learn from what happened, for example, 3 years ago to a family in Maui, to Phyllis and Tommy Duarte of Maui. Phyllis and Tommy contacted my office after they received a notice that the Social Security Administration had canceled Phyllis's Social Security payments. Like millions of kupuna across the country, Phyllis and Tommy live on a fixed income and depend on Social Security to pay their bills. After several months without receiving her Social Security check, Phyllis could no longer pay the premiums for her Medicare Part B plan. They threatened to terminate her coverage, which is when she contacted my office. Fortunately, we were able to resolve the situation within a few weeks. Phyllis started receiving a cheek and continues to pay her premiums. Only a short time later, Phyllis fell and broke her arm. It required surgery and years of ongoing physical therapy. The final bill: $200,000. Phyllis and Tommy were only weeks away from understanding just how devastating it would be to live without Medicare coverage. It is because of people like Phyllis and Tommy that I fought tooth and nail to make sure Medicare will always be there for our kupuna. It is why I have been on the frontlines to beat back every attempt to privatize and voucherize Medicare since I have been in Congress. That is why I will do everything in my power to stop our new President and his allies in Congress from shredding this crucial safety net program. Over the past month, Speaker Ryan has made it clear that he intends to resurrect his plan to turn Medicare into a voucher program for private insurance. Under his system, private insurers could deny or delay coverage because seniors would no longer have Medicare's consumer protections. His plan caps the value of these vouchers to the point where they will not keep up with the rising costs of health care. The Congressional Budget Office calculated that the Ryan plan would increase out-of-pocket expenses by $6,000 per year for millions of seniors--millions who are already on fixed incomes. My colleagues know that I am not given to hyperbole, but this attempt to privatize Medicare is a clear and present danger to millions of seniors. I know from talking with kupuna in Hawaii that one of the things they worry about most is their health and whether their needs will be met. Anyone who talks to seniors and understands what they are going through would recognize that privatizing Medicare means seniors will have to go out and find medical insurance on the private market. How can you think they will be able to accomplish that? Are insurance companies going to step up to take care of some of the most vulnerable members of our population even though it is not profitable for them to do so? I don't think so. During the campaign, President-Elect Trump said the right thing about protecting Medicare, but choosing Tom Price to head the Department of Health and Human Services sends the opposite message. For years, Congressman Tom Price has been Paul Ryan's closest ally in his crusade to privatize and voucherize Medicare. The Ryan-Price plan would hurt more than 217,000 seniors in Hawaii and millions across the country, including those who live in Janesville, WI, and Roswell, GA. I wonder how Speaker Ryan and Congressman Price would explain to seniors in their districts, their States, how voucherizing Medicare will not hurt them. Saving Medicare is going to be a daunting fight, but I am not going to shy away from it. I am going to do whatever I can, whenever I can, to protect Medicare for our seniors. I yield the floor.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I rise to join my colleagues to pay tribute to Vice President Joe Biden. Joe has made countless contributions to our country throughout his more than 40 years in public service and six terms in the U.S. Senate. Whether it was passing the Violence Against Women Act, leading the congressional opposition to apartheid South Africa, or advocating for Amtrak, Joe honored the Senate with his service. This year, after the loss of his beloved son Beau, Joe harnessed his grief to spearhead a new Cancer Moonshot initiative to accelerate finding cures for cancer. This past Monday night, with Joe presiding, we named this initiative in memory of Beau. After Monday's vote, Joe said that it made him realize all of the support he has had since Beau's passing. In the face of his own loss, Joe has supported countless other families in similar situations. I will remember Joe for this incredible empathy. This year we lost our colleague and friend Congressman Mark Takai of Hawaii. I affectionately called Mark my younger brother, and his passing was a shock to many of us. Joe joined us to honor Mark at a memorial service here in the Capitol. Reflecting on his own life, Joe spoke directly to Mark's wife, Sami, and his children, Matthew and Kaila: I promise you that the day will come when Mark's memory brings a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye. My prayer for you and your family is that they come sooner rather than later. But I promise you. I promise you it will come. Like so many times in his life, Joe's words spoke to our hearts. From his own experience, he comforted the Takais and so many of us who knew Mark. That is who Joe is--a man of empathy and soul, who always had a kind word, and who will leave a legacy of commitment to doing the right thing, and a legacy of hope. Joe, you will be missed. Mahalo for your service.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, ``Oh Myyy!'' My friend George Takei is being honored with the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association's, NAPABA, Inspire Award. In addition to his many contributions to the arts, George has been on the forefront for decades, fighting for those who don't have a voice. When he was just 4 years old, the trajectory of George's life changed forever. His family and nearly 120,000 other Japanese Americans were declared enemy aliens and were forcibly removed from their homes for the duration of World War II. George's family packed up their entire lives into one suitcase and endured harsh living conditions in ramshackle internment camps. The internment of Japanese Americans remains one of our country's darkest moments, and George has made it his life's work to educate a new generation of Americans about the importance of protecting fundamental rights. George's most ambitious endeavor, ``Allegiance,'' a musical on the internment, exposed a new audience to the shock, humiliation, anger, and resolve of one family, the Kimuras, who were interned in Heart Mountain, WY. As for others, the Kimura's internment harm didn't end when the war did. There was irreparable damage to the family's unity, hopes, and dreams. In a TED Talk, George recounted the heroism of Japanese Americans who volunteered to serve in the military despite being declared enemy aliens. Their segregated units--the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Battalion, and the Military Intelligence Service--remain some of the most decorated units in the Army. ``They gave me a legacy, and with that legacy comes a responsibility, and I am dedicated to making my country an even better America, to making our government an even truer democracy, and because of the heroes that I have and the struggles that we've gone through, I can stand before you as a gay Japanese-American, but even more than that, I am a proud American.'' George is also a tireless advocate for and leader in the LGBT community. In 2005, George bravely stood up to conservative attacks on marriage equality by publicly coming out as gay. In 2008, he and his husband, Brad, became the first LGBT couple in West Hollywood to apply for a marriage license. More than a decade later, America has caught up to George, and marriage equality is the law of the land. George has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to stand up for people who don't always have a voice. And this award is as much a recognition of the work he will continue to do as much as for what he has already done. Congratulations, George, on a well-deserved honor.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Aloha, Mr. President.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, there are currently 27 pending nominations on the Executive Calendar and 90 total judicial vacancies. More than half of these nominations have been waiting since 2015 for a confirmation vote. Hawaii's own Clare Connors was nominated to the Federal bench 1 year ago tomorrow. She is one of the nominees who would be skipped under the Republican leader's compromise offer, which is not a fair offer any way you look at it. Claire's resume is extensive and impressive. In her time as a U.S. assistant attorney, Clare prosecuted Hawaii's most extensive mortgage fraud case. The case involved 15 criminals who were making it harder for Hawaii's families to obtain mortgages. This is only one example of Clare's nonpartisan commitment to public service. During her career, Clare has worked for Attorney General John Ashcroft and Attorney General Eric Holder. She is impartial, she is qualified, and she deserves a vote. If Clare is not confirmed, the Hawaii district court seat would be left vacant for over a year. People who appear before our courts don't want to know or care if their judge is a Democrat or a Republican. They just want to know that when they get their day in court, there will be a competent and qualified judge sitting there. This goes double, of course, for the highest Court in the land, the Supreme Court, which, because of an unfilled vacancy, has resulted in a number of 4-to-4 votes. That is not how the U.S. Supreme Court should operate. We need to do our jobs. Mr. President, I rise today, therefore, and ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations: Calendar Nos. 359, 362, 363, 364, 459, 460, 461, 508, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573; that the Senate proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nominations in the order listed; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to the nominations; that any related statements be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and the Senate then resume legislative session.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Thank you, Mr. President. I rise today to introduce a resolution to commemorate Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park on their 100th anniversary. On August 1, 1916, 3 weeks prior to the founding of the National Park Service, Congress established Hawaii National Park, comprised of two sections located on the island of Maui and the island of Hawaii. The two sections of the park were subsequently separated and redesignated as Haleakala National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The two parks were set aside in perpetuity for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of Hawaii and the people of the United States. In the last 100 years, they have served their purpose well. Last year, over 1.2 million people visited Haleakala National Park, while over 1.8 million people visited Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The parks have also proven to be an economic boon to the State of Hawaii. In 2015, visitors to Haleakala National Park spent over $76 million in surrounding communities, supporting nearly 1,000 jobs. Visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park spent over $151 million in areas around the park and supported nearly 2,000 local jobs. However, the importance of Haleakala National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the people of the State of Hawaii, to the Nation, and globally is much more than economic benefit. The parks serve as invaluable scientific and cultural assets and have been instrumental in preserving some of the most ecologically diverse ecosystems in the world. For example, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, providing visitors the ability to gain a greater understanding of volcanic and geologic processes. Hawaii's isolation and the substantial number of plant and animal species that are native to Hawaii and found nowhere else in the world have contributed greatly to our understanding of evolutionary biology. The scientific significance of both Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park was highlighted when the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization designated both parks as biosphere reserves in 1980. Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala also provide access to substantial cultural and historic resources. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to a number of precontact archaeological sites, including Puu Loa, which contains over 23,000 petroglyphs. However, Hawaii's national parks are not places where culture is discussed in the past tense. Even today, Native Hawaiians come to these parks to renew ties to ancestors, conduct cultural gatherings and rituals, and pass traditions down to the next generation. Both parks also serve as a refuge for hundreds of native plants and animals, many of which are endangered and threatened. Indeed, Haleakala National Park is home to more endangered species than any other site in the National Park System, including the Hawaiian Silversword, and dozens of endangered Native Hawaiian birds. For the last century, residents of Hawaii, the United States, and the world have visited Haleakala National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and gained a greater appreciation for the natural environment, the history of Hawaii, and Native Hawaiian culture. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of these parks, I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing August 1, 2016, as ``Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks Day'' and encourage as many people as possible from across the Nation to come to Hawaii to visit these national treasures. s. res. 542

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, July 9, 2016, marked the 95th anniversary of the enactment of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, legislation that has changed the lives of thousands of native Hawaiians in the State of Hawaii. This legislation was made possible by the vision of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. After the annexation of Hawaii, Prince Kuhio continued to serve his people as Hawaii's second delegate in Congress. When Prince Kuhio took office in 1902, he was determined to improve the lives of native Hawaiians. Although he served as a nonvoting delegate, he championed the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act to create a trust of nearly 200,000 acres of land that previously belonged to the monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom. By setting aside this land, Congress intended to ensure the livelihood of native Hawaiians, whose population had been reduced from as many as, according to some estimates, 800,000 prior to 1778 to a little over 20,000 by 1920. In a letter that Prince Kuhio circulated to the Senate in 1920, he shared the results of an extensive investigation and survey that noted the exceedingly high mortality rate of native Hawaiians. The survey justified the need to return native Hawaiians to the land, to reconnect with their sense of place, and elevate their well-being by providing stable housing and opportunities to improve their livelihood. Prince Kuhio shepherded the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act through both the House and Senate, and President Warren Harding signed the bill into law on July 9, 1921. In 1924, the first homestead in Kalamaula on the island of Molokai became home to 42 Native Hawaiians who began harvesting vegetables and raising animals to sell at local markets. Today nearly 10,000 Native Hawaiian beneficiaries and their families live on agricultural, pastoral, or residential homestead lots in over 60 communities across Hawaii. With Hawaii's admission into the Union in 1959, the State of Hawaii was tasked with administering the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, a responsibility primarily led by the State's Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. At the Federal level, Congress has continued to live up to its commitments to the Hawaiian community, first established by the HHCA, through continued funding for programs focused on planning, development, housing construction, and home loan programs to support the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in its mission, as well as home loans and guarantees to support Hawaiian Homes beneficiaries. On the 95th anniversary of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, we recognize and thank Prince Kuhio for his vision and sincere aloha for the well-being of Native Hawaiians. The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act has made a difference in thousands of lives and set the foundation for acknowledging the trust relationship between the Native Hawaiian community and the Federal Government. Today the Federal Government continues this trust relationship by providing funds to support housing, health care, education, and other resources for the benefit of the Native Hawaiian community. However, there is still much to be done to assist Hawaii's indigenous population. I will continue to work with Congress, the executive branch, the State of Hawaii, and the Native Hawaiian community to not only safeguard Prince Kuhio's landmark legislation and legacy, but to ensure it, and the community he worked so hard to assist, will continue to thrive.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I thank Senators Schumer, Warren, and others for their efforts to get some movement on these neglected judicial nominees. When we talk about the Senate doing its job, of course confirming judges is a part of the Senate's job. In fact, only the Senate can do that job. So far 23 of the 24 nominees on the Executive Calendar were approved by the Judiciary Committee by voice vote, including 16 district court nominees. This includes Hawaii's own Clare Connors. Before I speak about Clare, I want to also mention that she and the other nominees before us today--who were unanimously approved by the Judiciary Committee--will be kept from serving on the Federal bench, kept from doing those jobs because of Republican inaction. I will tell you something about Clare. She has wide-ranging experience, including district and appellate venues, criminal and civil arenas, and litigation on issues ranging from tax law to tough cases such as crimes against children. I met with Clare in Hawaii and when she came before the Judiciary Committee. She is more than qualified to serve on the Federal bench today. Senator Grassley has indicated that Republicans will shut down the nomination process this month, even though vacancies have nearly doubled. If Clare is not confirmed, the Hawaii district court seat would be left vacant for a year. Historically, the Senate has held confirmation votes on widely supported nominees into September of a Presidential election year. The nominees before us all have bipartisan support and come from States throughout the country: Tennessee, New Jersey, New York, California, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Utah, and of course Hawaii. I urge my Republican colleagues to do their job. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations: Calendar Nos. 359, 362, 363, 364, 459, 460, 461, and 508; further, that the Senate proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nominations in the order listed; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to the nominations; that any related statements be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate then resume legislative session.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, yesterday I joined millions of Americans in celebrating the Supreme Court's decision that reaffirms a woman's right to access reproductive health care. This was the most important Supreme Court decision in decades to protect a woman's access to reproductive health care. I listened to my colleague just now, and, yes, the amount in the bill is the same. But this is not the same bill. This bill contains poison pills that will pay for the funding for Zika on the backs of the people of Puerto Rico and funding for Planned Parenthood. So today, in spite of yesterday's celebration of the Supreme Court's decision, it is clear we are reminded once again the fight to protect a woman's reproductive rights is not over. I was dismayed last week when House Republicans chose to play politics with a national public health emergency to continue their crusade against Planned Parenthood. The package we will be voting on this morning is profoundly irresponsible. Senators from both parties worked hard to forge a compromise Zika funding measure that would have provided the tools we need to prevent an outbreak. Instead, we will shortly be voting on an underfunded measure riddled with poison pills. This package is not equal to the crisis before us. It fails to recognize the real threat facing American women from Zika this summer. Zika is not just a mosquito-borne disease. It can also be sexually transmitted. That is why attacking Planned Parenthood in this bill is so foolish. Limiting access to family planning services now would put millions more women at risk of contracting Zika and giving birth to a child with microcephaly. The United States is fortunate not to have a widespread outbreak of Zika yet, but in Hawaii we are already feeling the impact of this virus. So far there have been 10 confirmed cases of Zika in Hawaii, and one child has been born with microcephaly. To meet this challenge, I have convened key leaders on Zika in Hawaii, including Governor David Ige, Hawaii director of health Dr. Virginia Pressler, health care providers, and Dr. Elliott Parks, who is developing a Zika vaccine on Oahu. They all shared one message: Federal funding right now is critical to get ahead of a widespread Zika outbreak. Dr. Parks has been using private funding to develop his vaccine, which could turn around our fight against Zika, and an infusion of Federal funds now could push him across the finish line. This summer is a critical moment in the fight against the Zika virus. In Hawaii, we already saw the devastating impact of a vector-borne disease when we confronted a major outbreak of Dengue. We need the same national commitment and investment to fight Zika that we provided to fight Ebola. Months have already passed since the President sent down his emergency funding request for Zika. We must act now by passing a clean supplemental spending bill, with no harmful riders to women. Zika is a public health crisis in the making, and I completely disagree with my colleagues who continue to say that we should support this bill because it is what we have already agreed to. It is not. It is a profoundly different bill that continues the Republican attacks against women's reproductive rights. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I come to the floor to mark a milestone in the fight for gender equity in America. Forty-four years ago, a committed group of people fought and made huge strides in the battle to equalize opportunities for women in education. They passed title IX. Many people across the country think the sole purpose of title IX was to revolutionize women's athletics, but title IX does so much more. Title IX provided new opportunities for women who for too long faced discrimination, disparagement, and quotas in our education system. We owe so much of the progress we have made in the past 44 years since the passage of title IX to my good friend Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink. Patsy was a woman perennially ahead of her time. Gender discrimination in our education system was not an abstract issue for Patsy. She felt the weight of it personally. Patsy dreamed of becoming a doctor, but her dream of becoming a doctor was shattered when she tried to get into medical school and was told their quota for women had already been filled. Years later, a quota prevented her daughter Wendy from enrolling at Stanford University. These experiences fueled Patsy's fight for gender equity. Even in the face of overwhelming odds on the way, Patsy's determination resulted in the passage of title IX. Upon Patsy's death, title IX was renamed the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act. The fruits of Patsy's efforts are plain for everyone to see. Last year, we came together as a nation to cheer on the U.S. women's national soccer team as they won the Women's World Cup. This was the women's third world title. In fact, in their 31-year history, they have not placed lower than third in the World Cup. Much of the team's success can be attributed to the impact of title IX. Title IX's implementation means that schools have to give girls equal opportunity to play sports, and this opened the door to a new generation of girls who grew up on soccer fields and went on to represent our country on the U.S. Women's National Team, including Hawaii's own Natasha Kai, who became a breakout soccer star, playing for Kahuku High School and the University of Hawaii. Natasha went on to become part of the 2008 U.S. women's soccer team at the Beijing Olympics, and they brought home a Gold Medal. While Natasha and the Women's National Team are examples of success thanks to title IX, they also remind us that our work is not done. After years of getting paid less than their male counterparts even though they were more successful, five members of the Women's National Team filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging wage discrimination. Earlier this year, this Senate unanimously passed a resolution supporting their fight for equal pay. Of course, the fight for equal pay and equal rights is not limited to women in sports; it extends to women in all fields. This month, I am introducing two new bills that build on Patsy's work to further improve gender equity. The Equity in Career and Technical Education Act would give schools more resources to close equity gaps in career and technical education. It also provides support to students interested in nontraditional career paths. The second bill, the Gender Equality Educational Act, would increase training and grants to help States, school districts, and institutions of higher learning implement programs and policies to reduce sex discrimination and comply with title IX requirements. This bill also includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM, is one area where gender equity improvements need to be made, especially in light of the fact that there will be a need in our country for millions of workers with STEM backgrounds. In March, I read an op-ed from Hope Jahren, a geobiology professor at the University of Hawaii. She wrote in the New York Times about the pervasive challenges women face in education and the workplace, particularly in the STEM fields. She painted a very disturbing picture of how widespread harassment and other barriers discourage young women from pursuing STEM careers. Women are much more likely than men to switch out of STEM majors in college and leave the STEM workforce. Moreover, many girls drop out of STEM pursuits long before they ever get to college. The many reasons for women abandoning STEM pursuits include negative stereotypes about women in STEM, perceived gender barriers, feelings of isolation in their jobs, and the lack of role models and mentors. These challenges are only compounded for women of color. Asian American and Pacific Islander women often report facing bullying, sexual harassment, and discrimination in educational settings because of language issues, cultural stereotypes, and even immigration status. I have introduced two bills to combat these systemic barriers. These bills seek to improve outreach and success of women and minorities at all stages of the STEM pursuits. We need to keep women in the STEM pipeline if we are going to come up with the millions of workers we need with STEM backgrounds in our country to keep us competitive. Title IX has been life-changing for millions of girls and women for 44 years. Passing this law was a landmark achievement. It is a strong foundation that we must continue to build upon. I would like to close this morning by turning to another seminal law--the Voting Rights Act--that made real for millions of Americans their fundamental right to vote. Saturday is the third anniversary of the Supreme Court's devastating and disastrous ruling in Shelby County. In a 5-to-4 decision, that case essentially gutted the Voting Rights Act and made it easier for States to make voting harder. At least 13 States have done just that. Alabama passed a law that would require voters to show a photo ID. The State then kept 31 driver's license offices in predominantly African-American communities open just 1 day a month--1 day a month-- for people to get their IDs. The city of Athens, GA, has proposed closing nearly 12 polling places, replacing them with only two early- voting centers, both of which would be located in police headquarters. Intimidating? I would say so. These are just a few examples of laws that, in effect, make it harder to vote. So our work is not done. Three years after the Shelby decision and the ensuing laws passed by too many States to limit voting, we in Congress must enact laws that recognize beyond a shadow of a doubt that voting is a fundamental right of a free nation. I yield the floor.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. I thank the Senator for his response. What could be more fundamental a job for government than to keep our people and our communities safe.

Ms. HIRONO. I thank the Senator from Connecticut for yielding his time on the floor for a question, and I want to join all the people of Hawaii in expressing our deep sadness and condolences to the families and friends of all those who lost their lives and who were injured in this tragedy in Orlando. Our entire country shares in your grief. Like everyone who has spoken today, I am saddened and outraged by what occurred in Orlando this past weekend. One of the victims, Kimberly ``K.J.'' Morris, moved to Orlando from Hawaii just 2 months ago to take care of her mother and grandmother in Florida. K.J.'s grandmother Emma Johnson said: Knowing her, she would be trying to help everybody get out instead of running for her life. That is the type of person she is. The lives K.J. and others led were cut tragically short. Meanwhile, Congress has been unable and unwilling to act to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them. I commend my colleague from Connecticut for his leadership on this important issue. He has been on the floor of the Senate week after week, month after month, calling on us to enact sensible gun legislation to keep our communities safe and to save lives. I shared a transition office with Senator Murphy in the days following the Newtown attack, and I saw his dedication and passion on this issue firsthand. In his first speech on the Senate floor, the Senator from Connecticut said: I never imagined that my maiden speech would be about guns or gun violence. Just like I could never imagine I would be standing here in the wake of 20 little kids having died in Sandy Hook or six adults who protected them. But sometimes issues find you. We all share his heartbreak that, of all issues, this is the one that found him. But I am proud to stand with him and with all my colleagues and with all the children, families, and communities affected by the gun violence epidemic in our country. I agree with my colleague wholeheartedly when he says that it is no longer the time for thoughts, for prayers, for reflection; it is time for action. In Hawaii, we have one of the lowest firearm death rates in the entire country. This is not an accident. Our elected leaders in the Hawaiian community have recognized that our laws should balance the interests of responsible gun owners with the interests of public safety. Of course, we need to do more--so much more--on the Federal level. I supported the Manchin-Toomey bill to close the gaping loopholes in our background check system before guns can be purchased, and I strongly support Senator Feinstein's bill to prevent people on the terror watch list from purchasing a gun. Now is the time for action on these measures today, on this bill before us. Otherwise, the carnage in our country will continue. This year alone, 6,093 people have been killed by guns in our country. This includes 125 people who were killed by guns in the 3\1/2\ days since Orlando. So 125 more people have died since Orlando. If we stood here and provided 6,093 victims a minute of silence, we would be standing here for 4 days, 5 hours, and 33 minutes. Moments of silence are not enough. I wish to ask my colleague from Connecticut a question. What kind of message are we sending to communities around the country if we once again do nothing to make our country safer? (Mr. ROUNDS assumed the Chair.)

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. I strongly agree with Senator Wicker. Despite the clear benefits the MSP program provides, the MSP commercial fleet is under extreme economic pressure from reductions in government-impelled cargoes and foreign competitive factors. I completely share the concerns expressed by the then-TransCom commander, GEN Paul Selva, in his March 2015 testimony before the Armed Services Committee, where he stated that the ``reduction in government impelled cargoes due to the drawdown in Afghanistan and reductions in food aid . . .are driving vessel owners to reflag to non-U.S.-flag out of economic necessity . . .With the recent vessel reductions, the mariner base is at the point where future reductions in U.S.-flag capacity puts our ability to fully activate, deploy and sustain forces at increased risk.'' Accordingly, to ensure that this essential U.S. commercial sealift capability provided by the MSP program remains available to meet America's national security requirements, the MSP program needs to be fully funded as authorized by the Congress.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Seapower Subcommittee, I could not agree more with the Senator from Mississippi's views concerning the importance of the MSP program. The 60-ship MSP program is the most prudent and economical means to address the U.S. military's current and projected sealift requirements. A 2006 report prepared for the Military Sealift Committee of the National Defense Transportation Association concluded that ``the likely cost to the government to replicate just the vessel capacity provided by the MSP dry cargo vessels would be $13 billion.'' In addition, the U.S. Transportation Command, TransCom, has estimated that it would cost the U.S. Government an additional $52 billion to replicate the ``global intermodal system'' that is made available to the Department of Defense, DOD, by MSP participants. In contrast, MSP participants now provide DOD with the same vessels and global intermodal system at a fraction of what it would cost our government to do the job itself.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, Hawaii's traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokulea and her crew are in the Washington, DC, area this week as part of its Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage. I would like to congratulate and honor the Polynesian Voyaging Society for its work in bringing about this significant endeavor to raise awareness of global sustainability while sharing traditional Polynesian navigation practices and creating global relationships through cultural exchanges. Hokulea will voyage over 60,000 miles to 100 ports in 27 nations, including 12 Marine World Heritage sites identified by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Established in 1973, the Polynesian Voyaging Society developed a new generation of Polynesian navigators, perpetuating the teachings of Master Navigator Mau Piailug from the island of Satawal in the Federated States of Micronesia. The Polynesian Voyaging Society is largely credited with revolutionizing the perception of Polynesian- style voyaging as a sophisticated form of sailing and navigation. In 1976, the Polynesian Voyaging Society completed construction of the double-hulled voyaging canoe named Hokulea, which translates to ``star of gladness.'' Hokulea is the first traditional voyaging canoe to be built in Hawaii in over 600 years and has since served as a cultural ambassador of Hawaii to the world. Crew members observed patterns in the stars, sun, moon, wind, and ocean swells to guide Hokulea to Tahiti on her inaugural journey. The voyage demonstrated that Polynesian wayfinding methods could successfully be used to travel on long-distance journeys and revived a navigational method many assumed was lost. In 2013, Hokulea and her sister canoe Hikianalia embarked on a journey around the State of Hawaii before commencing a 36-month worldwide voyage named Malama Honua, which means ``to care for our Earth.'' Since the journey began, Hokulea has visited 24 islands and six countries across Polynesia, Mauritius, South Africa, Brazil, and the East Coast of the United States, visiting States Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, New York, and Washington, DC. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the crews of Hokulea and Hikianalia and wish them smooth sailing as they continue the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage. I look forward to hearing of their many adventures upon completion of the voyage, and I encourage all of my colleagues to visit Hokulea while she is docked in Washington, DC.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, our Nation is facing a serious threat to public health. The Zika virus has the potential to be a major public health crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are over 500 cases in the United States, including 9 in Hawaii. Currently, all of these cases are travel-related. There are 700 cases in U.S. territories, almost all of which were locally acquired. Summer, which is the peak travel season and peak mosquito season, is almost upon us. Every year, 40 million Americans travel to Zika-affected countries. It is just a matter of time before the threat of locally transmitted Zika becomes a reality in the United States. Although the President sent his emergency funding request to fight Zika to Congress more than 3 months ago, I am glad to see Democrats and Republicans coming together now to prevent a major U.S. Zika outbreak. Public health experts at the Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health and Human Services, and elsewhere in the administration have said that $1.9 billion is needed to fight the Zika virus. During the Senate's last State work period, I met with Hawaii researchers and health care providers, who agreed that we need this Federal funding to get ahead of Zika. This funding would go toward our vector-control programs, education, and vaccine development. I visited a Hawaii company--Hawaii Biotech--that is working on a Zika vaccine. This company has a proven track record in developing vaccines. Hawaii Biotech has spent months working to develop a Zika vaccine using private funding. At this critical point of vaccine development, Dr. Elliott Parks and his team at Hawaii Biotech agree that a public infusion of funds will help them get over the finish line. I also had the opportunity to visit with Governor David Ige, the Hawaii director of health, and health care providers. They all shared one message: that Federal funding is critical to getting ahead of a widespread Zika outbreak. The funding we are voting on today could help companies like Hawaii Biotech develop a much needed Zika vaccine. It would help States like mine increase mosquito control and awareness on Zika. Zika is not the benign virus we once thought it was, and funding only becomes more urgent as we learn about its harmful effects. Zika poses an imminent threat to pregnant women and, in reality, to all women of childbearing age. By now, we have all seen the harmful impacts Zika has on babies. The images and reports of babies born with microcephaly are heartbreaking. Zika can threaten our Nation's supply of donated blood. While blood banks across the country are working on methods to clean and test blood, they need funding to accelerate their research. Congress can take steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens. We can be proactive, not reactive, to impending threats such as Zika. The Federal Government should play a leading role in coordinating and assisting local and State governments with mosquito control and supporting the latest research, much as we stepped up with Federal support when confronted with Ebola and avian flu. While there are three Zika funding measures before us today, I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in voting yes on Senator Nelson's amendment to fully fund the President's request at $1.9 billion. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam President, I rise to join my colleagues in raising awareness about the Zika virus and the need to pass the President's emergency appropriations request to get ahead of this crisis in the making. Some question the need for this emergency appropriations request. Perhaps those who believe that funding the President's request is a waste feel that we are not at immediate risk, but you have heard my other colleagues talking about how this is an impending crisis. While Zika may not seem like a threat in the United States now because we have not hit peak mosquito season, this head-in-sand mentality is irresponsible. Zika is ravaging South America, which is having its summer right now. Zika is on the move. The mosquito that is the main Zika carrier is already in 13 States, and another mosquito also capable of spreading the Zika virus is in 30 States. As families travel this summer, they will be moving in and out of States and countries impacted by Zika. To my colleagues who aren't worried about the spread of Zika right now, it is time for all of us to wake up. With summer comes mosquitoes--including, of course, the mosquito that carries Zika. We must do all we can to ensure that Zika does not gain a foothold in the United States. Let's act, not react, to this Zika threat. This means funding the President's $1.9 billion request for Zika. Hawaii knows firsthand the impact of vector-borne diseases such as Zika and of the resources and effort it takes to contain an outbreak. Seven Hawaii residents have already been diagnosed with Zika. One infant born to a mother with Zika has been diagnosed with microcephaly, a devastating birth defect. On top of that, Hawaii has been dealing with an outbreak of dengue fever, which is spread by the same mosquito that carries Zika. The dengue outbreak in Hawaii began in September, and only yesterday were we able to go 30 days without a new dengue case. The unique location of Hawaii means it serves as transit location for many Pacific Island nations where Zika outbreaks have occurred in the recent past, places such as Yap and French Polynesia. We know that this disease can migrate and that it can migrate quickly. That is why we have to get ahead of it. Having the administration shift Ebola funding around is not the answer. That is akin to robbing Peter to pay Paul. What will we do if Ebola has a resurgence this summer--shift money back from Zika? The United States is in a strong position, compared to many other countries, to fight Zika. We have indevelopment vaccines, blood screenings, cleaning tools, and research that will be game changers. When the President sent his $1.9 billion request to Congress, he laid out how the funding would be spent or used. It would go toward vector control, public education campaigns, and vaccine development. It would go toward the work of companies such as Hawaii Biotech, which is racing to complete work on a vaccine. We must fund the emergency request so Federal agencies that stand on the battle lines of combating disease can do their work. We must also strengthen vector control programs and emergency preparedness programs. It is imperative that we give our communities the tools they need to fight Zika. Time is still on our side right now, but time is running out and we must act quickly. Let's come together to ensure that Zika does not become a full-blown public health emergency in the United States. Let's fund the President's request. I yield the floor.