Legislative Activity

This resolution formally commemorates the 69th anniversary of the continuous operations of the Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO). It recognizes the MLO's critical, world-leading role in monitoring atmospheric composition, particularly tracking global carbon dioxide levels. The bill reaffirms Congressional support for the observatory's vital scientific work and honors its cultural significance to Hawaii.

The Ensuring Outpatient Quality for Rural States Act allows for cost-of-living adjustments to payments for hospital outpatient services provided in Alaska and Hawaii, starting in 2026. This change specifically targets the non-labor related portion of service costs, recognizing the higher operating expenses in these states. Crucially, these adjustments do not need to be budget neutral.

The Essential Air Service Reliability Act of 2025 updates the Essential Air Service (EAS) program by requiring airlines seeking federal subsidies to submit contingency plans for non-weather-related service disruptions. This legislation also shifts the selection criteria for subsidy recipients to prioritize the proposed rate of compensation. These changes aim to ensure more reliable air service to smaller communities by mandating operational backups.

The Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act of 2025 aims to improve benefits for Native Hawaiian veterans. This bill updates the definition used for VA direct housing loans to align with existing Native American housing law. Furthermore, it mandates that the VA must reimburse Native Hawaiian health systems for care provided to eligible veterans and eliminates cost-sharing requirements for Native Hawaiian veterans receiving VA medical care.

The Remove the Stain Act officially rescinds the 20 Medals of Honor awarded to U.S. soldiers for actions during the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890. This legislation aims to preserve the integrity of the nation's highest military honor by voiding awards given for the killing of predominantly unarmed Native Americans. While the recognition is revoked and names will be removed from the official rolls, recipients will not be required to return the physical medal or forfeit any associated benefits.

The GHOST Act of 2025 establishes a new Federal Interstate Firearm Parts Reporting System to track the shipment of specific gun components, including barrels, slides, and bolts, across state or international lines. Shippers must pre-register these covered components with the Attorney General, detailing sender, recipient, and shipping method, and later confirm delivery. The system allows for retroactive registration but imposes significant penalties for knowingly circumventing these tracking requirements.

The PATCH Act, or Protecting Access To Care in Hawaii Act, ensures that physicians in Hawaii receive fair compensation for their services. Starting in 2026, this bill mandates a minimum work geographic index of 1.5 for calculating Medicare payments for physicians' services furnished in the state. This adjustment is a direct increase to the payment formula and will not be offset by budget neutrality requirements.

The Stop Illegal Campaign Coordination Act amends campaign finance law to broaden the definition of "coordinated expenditures." This bill stipulates that spending by outside groups is considered coordinated if it is "materially consistent" with guidance, even if indirect, from a candidate or political party committee. The legislation outlines specific factors the Federal Election Commission must consider when determining this consistency.

This bill expresses support for designating February 2025 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "'Olelo Hawai'i Month" to recognize and celebrate the Hawaiian language (lelo Hawaii). It acknowledges the historical suppression of lelo Hawaii and the ongoing revitalization efforts. The bill also commits to preserving, protecting, and promoting the use, practice, and development of lelo Hawaii, urging all people in the United States to participate in celebrating lelo Hawaii Month.

The "Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025" aims to combat the spread of Rapid Ohia Death, a disease affecting Ohia trees in Hawaii, through collaborative efforts between the Department of Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and the State of Hawaii. It directs continued research into the disease's spread, management of ungulates in affected areas, and financial aid for prevention and restoration efforts. The Act also provides support to the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry for ongoing research.

The Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act aims to encourage more individuals to enter the healthcare field by providing significant tax relief. This bill specifically makes certain loan repayments and scholarships received through various Public Health Service and state programs tax-free income. These changes apply to programs designed to increase the number of health professionals serving in underserved areas.

This bill recognizes the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to the United States and the significant contributions of Okinawan Americans to various sectors of American society. It reaffirms the cultural ties between the United States and Okinawa. The bill also encourages the people of the United States to commemorate this anniversary with appropriate programs and activities.