Daniel Kahikina Akaka, U.S. Senator of Hawaii RSS 2.0 Feed

Legislation introduced to help more Federal employees start saving for retirement

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:05:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) introduced the Save More Tomorrow Act of 2012 to build on efforts to incorporate private sector best practices into the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which is the tax-deferred retirement savings plan for Federal employees, similar to a 401(k) plan. This act would promote the goal Congress previously established of encouraging workers in the Federal Employees' Retirement System to save at least five percent of their pay in the TSP.

Senator Akaka said: "The Save More Tomorrow Act will make it easier for new TSP participants to save for retirement. Pairing automatic enrollment with automatic escalation in 401(k) plans has proven effective in increasing private sector savings rates. Congress should incorporate this best practice into the TSP."

The Save More Tomorrow Act builds on the Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009. Under the 2009 Act, all new Federal employees are automatically enrolled in the TSP unless they opt out. The Save More Tomorrow Act would adjust the TSP's automatic enrollment mechanism from the current default employee contribution rate of three percent of basic pay, increasing the contribution rate by one percent per year to at least five percent.

The impetus for the 2009 Act was the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which encouraged private sector employers to offer a default option for 401(k) plans pairing automatic enrollment with automatic escalation. Both laws were passed by large, bipartisan majorities in Congress. Since the enactment of the Pension Protection Act, studies have found that offering such a default escalation option in 401(k) plans is very effective at increasing employee savings rates, particularly for lower-income workers.

Leading economists, including the creators of the 'Save More Tomorrow' concept, Professors Richard Thaler of the University of Chicago and Shlomo Benartzi of UCLA, have endorsed Senator Akaka's bill. In a statement, Professors Thaler and Benartzi said: "Automatic enrollment is a great way to help people overcome inertia and start saving for retirement, however many employees get stuck at that initial 3 percent rate and stay there. This proposal will encourage Federal employees to gradually increase their saving rates by 1 percent a year, while maintaining everyone's flexibility to opt out. This option, common in private 401(k) plans, is an important improvement to offer Federal employees."

"Automatic contribution escalation is an important complement to automatic enrollment which was incorporated into the TSP in 2010," said Professor Brigitte Madrian of the Harvard Kennedy School, who is an expert on retirement savings plans. "Automatic enrollment has successfully increased participation in the TSP; automatic contribution escalation will further help those TSP participants who have benefited from automatic enrollment but who have limited means to save today by automatically and gradually increasing their contributions over time until they are taking full advantage of the employer match."

Senator Akaka's introductory statement in the Congressional Record is available here: LINK

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Hawaii to receive money for monk seal and sea turtle protection

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:05:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Hawaii will receive $128,584 to develop and expand programs designed to protect and help preserve the Hawaiian monk seal, green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles, Senator Daniel K. Inouye and Senator Daniel K. Akaka announced today.

The money comes from a grant administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The project will enhance efforts to reduce and document human disturbance of monk seals and sea turtles caused by growing numbers of beach goers and inshore recreational fishers on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii island.

The project will establish the States first Marine Protected Species (MPS) program for the long-term conservation and management of monk seals and sea turtles.

The work will include developing and delivering public education products and activities. Outreach efforts will be designed to enhance public knowledge of "seal-friendly" and "turtle-friendly" ocean recreation and fishing practices.

The work will also entail direct intervention at popular beaches and fishing areas.

"Protecting the monk seal, the most endangered fin-footed marine mammal in U.S. waters, the green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle will require a concerted effort by all who use the ocean. The alleged killing of four monk seals during the last six months highlights the immediate need for a combination of intervention and culturally sensitive education and outreach. This grant will continue the process of correcting misinformation about the monk seal while also addressing the challenges facing the green sea and hawksbill turtles. We must be diligent stewards of the ocean and I am very pleased the administration recognizes the need to invest in the protection of these marine animals," said Senator Inouye.

"The monk seal and honu are among Hawaii's most treasured native species. We must do all we can to protect these important marine animals so that our keiki and future generations can learn from and enjoy them like we do," said Senator Akaka.

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Save More Tomorrow Act of 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:05:00 GMT

Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Save More Tomorrow Act of 2012. This act seeks to make a modest, commonsense modification to the Thrift Savings Plan, or TSP, which is the tax-deferred, defined contribution plan for Federal employees, similar to private sector 401(k) plans.

The Save More Tomorrow Act would build on the Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, which was enacted with support from large, bipartisan majorities in Congress. Under the Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act, new Federal employees are automatically enrolled in the TSP unless they opt out, with a default employee contribution rate of three percent of basic pay. This legislation would adjust the TSP's automatic enrollment mechanism to allow it to automatically increase employee contributions, unless the employee chooses a different contribution rate. To accomplish this, the bill authorizes the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, the agency that administers the TSP, to pair the current auto enrollment at three percent with automatic escalation of one percent per year, for at least two consecutive years following the first year of enrollment. This promotes a goal of the Federal Employees' Retirement System Act of 1986, often referred to as FERSA, which was designed to encourage Federal employees to save at least five percent of their pay in the TSP.

This "three plus one plus one" model closely mirrors the model Congress prescribed for the private sector in the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which Mr. Boehner of Ohio introduced, the House and Senate passed with significant bipartisan support, and President George W. Bush signed into law. In enacting the Pension Protection Act, Congress endorsed pairing automatic enrollment with automatic escalation, by incentivizing companies to automatically enroll employees in 401(k) plans at no less than a three percent savings rate, and automatically escalate that rate by at least one percent for at least three years.

This act is informed by rigorous oversight I have conducted as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia. For example, at a recent Subcommittee hearing, Dr. Brigitte Madrian, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and leading expert on employer-sponsored retirement savings plans, stated, "the evidence from the private sector is that automatic escalation is, in fact, extremely effective at increasing employee savings rates. And you asked specifically is this [automatic escalation] something that should be considered for the Thrift Savings Plan, and I would say absolutely."

To preempt any possible misconceptions or misunderstandings that may arise regarding this act, I want to be clear from the outset about which employees the Save More Tomorrow Act applies to, and the voluntary nature of the bill. Since this act builds on the statutory framework established by the Thrift Savings Enhancement Act, it only applies to newly-hired Federal employees who are eligible to participate in the TSP's automatic enrollment feature. Additionally, just like the TSP's auto enrollment feature, auto escalation authorized by this act would be voluntary, and allow participants to terminate default contributions, or change contribution rates, at any time.

This bill has a limited, targeted scope. It would increase the savings only of the small percentage of new employees who enroll in the TSP, but do not raise their contribution rate enough to reach the goal Congress established with FERSA of having most Federal employees contributing at least five percent of basic pay. Under the Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act, an impressive 97.2 percent of new Federal employees are enrolling in the TSP - 82,632 Federal employees have been automatically enrolled in the TSP since the practice began in August 2010. Most of those employees increase their contributions far above the default rate of three percent. These enrollees boast an average TSP savings rate of 12.1 percent. Currently, only about nine percent of employees in the Federal Employee Retirement System enrolled in the TSP contribute less than five percent.

Of course, one must not confuse this act's limited scope with the potential benefits. From the most recent survey of TSP participants, we know that just like in the private sector, low-income workers who can least afford to forgo matching contributions are the most likely to do so. Lower-income Federal employees are more than twice as likely as higher-income employees to cite automatic enrollment as the reason they are contributing to the TSP. Many employees who contribute less than five percent are not even aware of the benefits of increasing the amount they save - 18 percent of this group reported they did not contribute five percent because they were unaware agencies matched contributions dollar-for-dollar on the first three percent of basic pay, and 50 cents on the dollar for the next two percent.

Today's Federal workers must plan carefully to ensure their retirement security. Fortunately, the vast majority of the Federal employees are responsibly saving for retirement, exhibiting average savings rate that are far greater than the private sector. However, I am concerned that the most financially vulnerable Federal employees, individuals earning less than $25,000 a year, are saving at a lower rate that will hinder their ability to retire with dignity. We should build on the success of the Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act by making it as easy as possible for employees to increase their contributions.

The Save More Tomorrow Act is a limited, yet effective legislative response to do just this. Informed by rigorous data from real world experiences in the private sector, this act represents the best in serious, evidence-based policymaking. The modest authorities provided by the Save More Tomorrow Act will enhance the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board's ability to meet FERSA's goal of encouraging TSP contributions of five percent of pay. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, and ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record following my statement.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Hawaii schools to receive nearly $1.4 million for college preparation

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:05:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hawaii will receive $1,390,999 to help prepare high school students for college, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono, and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced today.

Upward Bound Programs at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, University of Hawaii-Maui College, and Windward Community College will receive funding to support disadvantaged youth.

The money will be spent helping students from low income families, those living with disabilities, and first generation college students prepare for a successful collegiate career.

Upward Bound provides academic tutoring, advice and assistance, preparation for college entrance exams, and counseling.

"The college admissions process can be a stressful experience. Students are faced with the daunting task of taking the SAT, writing admissions essays, choosing the right coursework, and then figuring out how to pay for it. The process is that much more difficult for students coming from challenging backgrounds," said Senator Inouye.   "The Upward Bound program prepares and guides these students through high school and beyond. I commend the Upward Bound staff at UH Hilo, UH Maui College, and WCC for their commitment to Hawaii's youth, and the future of our state and nation. "

"As a former educator, I know how crucial a solid education is to improving the lives of our nation's youth," said Senator Akaka. "The Upward Bound program has successfully created many opportunities for hundreds of Hawaii's disadvantaged students to continue their education past high-school, and ultimately obtain advanced degrees. I applaud the Department of Education's commitment to helping these students overcome challenging circumstances to make a better future for themselves and their families."

"From Weimarlyn Martin to Tyler Pitpit, Upward Bound students have shared with me their success stories and dreams of graduating from college. It's clear Upward Bound makes a big difference in the lives of many students," said Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee. "As a first generation college graduate myself, I know how daunting the idea of attending and paying for college can be. My experience working with Upward Bound as a UH Manoa student showed me the value of the Upward Bound program. Thanks to Upward Bound at UH Hilo, UH Maui College, and Windward Community College, students will have the information and support they need to be successful college graduates."

"Hawaii's Upward Bound Program helps our students from underserved communities prepare for college and their future. I had the opportunity to visit one of the program sites, and it's clear that these students are not only getting academic support and career guidance, but also the encouragement and self confidence they need to succeed. I applaud the Upward Bound staff and faculty for their hard work and dedication, and I thank the Administration for their continued investment in Hawaii's students," said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.

The funding comes through grants from the U.S. Department of Education's Federal TRIO Programs.

The following schools have received funding:

University of Hawaii at Hilo                     $750,000
University of Hawaii Maui College          $378,499
Windward Community College                $262,500

For more information about the Upward bound programs in Hawaii, please visit:

http://hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/ub/

http://maui.hawaii.edu/upward/?page_id=2

http://upwardbound.wcc.hawaii.edu/

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Akaka applauds Obama's statement on same sex marriage

Wed, 9 May 2012 00:05:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka issued the following statement tonight:

"I strongly agree with the President that all Americans deserve the equal opportunity to have their loving committed partnerships legally recognized as marriage, with the same rights and responsibilities. I am proud of President Obama for taking this courageous stand, and I know his upbringing in diverse Hawaii helped to shape his understanding that everyone should be treated with equality.

"No religious institution should ever be forced to conduct a ceremony that is against their beliefs, but as a legal matter all Americans deserve the same rights. As someone who has been happily married for 64 years, I believe every American who loves another person should have the same right to form the bond of marriage and commit to living a life together, for better or for worse."

Senator Akaka voted against the enactment of the "Defense of Marriage Act" in 1996 and has supported efforts to repeal it. He is an original cosponsor of Senator Dianne Feinstein's Respect for Marriage Act of 2011, and was a strong supporter of the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell in 2010.

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Senate passes bipartisan Whistleblower Protection bill

Wed, 9 May 2012 00:05:00 GMT

Washington, DC - The United States Senate last night unanimously approved the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2011 (S. 743), which would strengthen protections for federal employees who come forward to disclose government waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement.

The legislation is authored by Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, and cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joe Lieberman (ID-Connecticut), Carl Levin (D-Michigan), Tom Carper (D-Delaware), Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Mark Pryor (D-Arkansas), Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana), Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri), Jon Tester (D-Montana), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), and Chris Coons (D-Delaware).

Senator Akaka said: "Whistleblowers are critical to effective, accountable government. My bill gives them the protection they need. The American people deserve to know that whistleblowers will be protected when they have the courage to come forward to disclose wrongdoing."

Senator Collins said: "Congress has consistently supported the principle that federal employees should not be subject to prior restraint or punishment from disclosing wrongdoing. This should give federal workers the peace of mind that if they speak out, they will be protected. Full whistleblower protections will also help ensure that Congress and our Committee have access to the information necessary to conduct proper oversight."

Senator Grassley said: "This update to the Whistleblower Protection Act makes big steps forward for all federal government employees. It restores the congressional intent behind the law, but it is especially important in establishing whistleblower protection for employees in the intelligence community for the first time, without endangering national security. We'll continue to fight for improvements that give whistleblowers the security they need to help us uncover the skeletons hidden deep in the closets of the federal bureaucracy."

Senator Lieberman said: "Whistleblowers are key to improving the performance of the federal government and must be protected for having the courage to speak out about waste, fraud, and abuse. Without these protections, those closest to the problems will remain silent for fear of retaliation, and American taxpayers will pay the price. I am particularly pleased this bill extends protections for the first time to employees of the intelligence community, which will strengthen our national as well as our economic security."

The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2011 would amend the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) to:

clarify that any disclosure of gross waste or mismanagement, fraud, abuse, or illegal activity may be protected, but not disagreements over legitimate policy decisions;
suspend the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals sole jurisdiction over federal employee whistleblower cases for five years;
extend WPA coverage and other non-discrimination and anti-retaliatory laws to all employees of the Transportation Security Administration;
clarify that whistleblowers may disclose evidence of censorship of scientific or technical information under the same standards that apply to disclosures of other kinds of waste, fraud, and abuse;
codify the anti-gag provision that has been part of every Transportation-Treasury Appropriations bill since 1988;
allow jury trials under certain circumstances for a period of five years;
provide the MSPB with authority to consider and grant summary judgment motions in WPA cases for a period of 5 years;
clarify that employees protected by the WPA may make protected classified disclosures to Congress using the same process as Intelligence Community employees;
establish protections for the Intelligence Community modeled on existing whistleblower protections for FBI employees;
establish a process within the executive branch for review if a security clearance is allegedly denied or revoked because of a protected whistleblower disclosure;
establish Whistleblower Protection Ombudsmen to educate agency personnel about whistleblower rights; and
provide the Office of Special Counsel with the independent right to file "friend of the court" briefs, or amicus briefs, with federal courts.

In December 2010, a nearly identical version of this bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent and the House passed a similar version of the bill, but Congress adjourned before the two versions could be reconciled.

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CAPAC and Democratic Leadership Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Wed, 9 May 2012 00:05:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC - The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus hosted a Congressional Ceremony on Capitol Hill yesterday to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The ceremony was moderated by Richard Lui of MSNBC and featured a keynote address by Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) and remarks by CAPAC Chairwoman Judy Chu (CA-32), Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-08), Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15), and over a dozen other Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Over 500 people from across the country attended the event, including elected officials and community leaders representing over two dozen states and U.S. territories.

Chairwoman Chu began the morning with a call to action for the AAPI community. "As we celebrate APA Heritage Month, it's not just to celebrate how far we've come - it's also to remind ourselves that we still have to continue to fight and advocate for our issues," said Rep. Chu. "We need to fight for an America where we reignite the American dream; an America where every person can climb the ladder of opportunity and an America where no one feels unsafe, unequal, or un-American because of their faith or ethnicity."

Following Rep. Chu's remarks, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi took the stage to express her appreciation for CAPAC and our nation's AAPI community. "Asian and Pacific Islanders are the fastest-growing population in the U.S., and their interests, and indeed the interests of all Americans, are well-represented in the Congress by CAPAC," Leader Pelosi said. "It's appropriate that we come together during Asian Pacific Heritage Month to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the AAPI community and the great diversity of our nation."

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (HI) delivered the morning's keynote address, during which he reflected on the progress the AAPI community has made during his time in office. "This annual event was created because some of us in Congress wanted to find a way to bring national attention to Asian and Pacific American cultures across this country," said Senator Akaka, who has served in Congress since 1977 and will be retiring at the end of this year. "We wanted to bring together local leaders to increase advocacy for our proud communities. I am so pleased to see how far we have come. Asian Pacific Americans now hold many top leadership positions across our government and armed forces and in business. The United States is a great country, strengthened by our diverse contributions. Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month helps to remind us of that."

Congressman Mike Honda, CAPAC's Chair Emeritus, concluded the ceremony by speaking about the great contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to our country. "On this 20th Anniversary of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, we celebrate the many accomplishments and diverse history of our AAPI community," said Rep. Honda. "From the public and political spheres to the entertainment industry, Asian Pacific Americans are making a lasting impact in our great country. Now numbering more than 17 million people, our community has become the fastest-growing racial group in the United States. As CAPAC Chair Emeritus, Immigration Taskforce Chair, and Appropriations Taskforce Chair, I am honored to continue serving and strengthening our AAPI community. Throughout this month and beyond, we must ensure that America, as a whole, sees firsthand our valuable contributions and legacy."

Among the other attendees and speakers honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month were Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Democratic Caucus Chairman John Larson (CT-01), CAPAC Vice Chair Madeleine Z. Bordallo (GU), CAPAC Education Taskforce Chair Mazie Hirono (HI-02), CAPAC Civil Rights Taskforce Chair Bobby Scott (VA-03), CAPAC Health Taskforce Chair Barbara Lee (CA-09), CAPAC Housing Taskforce Chair Al Green (TX-09), Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (AS), Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (CNMI), Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-12), Congressman Joe Crowley (NY-07), Congresswoman Laura Richardson (CA-37), Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-27), and CAPAC founding members former Secretary Norman Y. Mineta and former Congressman Robert Underwood.

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CAPAC Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration Keynote Speech

Tue, 8 May 2012 00:05:00 GMT

Congressional Auditorium, U.S. Capitol Visitors Center
Remarks as prepared for delivery:

Aloha!

Mahalo, thank you, Mazie for that kind introduction.

E komo mai, welcome, to all of you joining us for today's ceremony.

This year's celebration is particularly special, because it marks the 20th anniversary of the permanent official designation of the full month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Mahalo nui loa, thank you very much, to Chairwoman Judy Chu and the members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus for hosting this wonderful event. I appreciate your leadership and devotion to our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

This year we have a record 41 Members of Congress in the Caucus, and we are only getting stronger.

I recognize some familiar faces and long-time friends who are with us today.

My warmest Aloha to the friends and colleagues I see here today who co-founded CAPAC with me: Former-Secretary and Congressman Norm Mineta; House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi; CAPAC Chairman Emeritus Mike Honda; and former-CAPAC Chairman Robert Underwood.

I'm happy to see so many members of the Hawaii State Legislature here today to show their support. Mahalo and welcome back to Washington D.C.

Finally, I am so pleased to see all of you - the community - here this morning to help celebrate. Asian Pacific American Heritage month recognizes the rich cultural roots and traditions of Asian Pacific Americans across the country, as well as our communities' many contributions to the United States throughout its history.

This month I am introducing a Senate resolution recognizing the importance of May 2012 as Asian Pacific American Heritage month, joining the efforts of Congresswoman Chu and 38 other members of the House who introduced similar language.

However, I must say that today's event is bittersweet for me, because it marks the final time I will be celebrating this month with all of you as a United States Senator.

I have been involved with the national movement to recognize the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders since Asian Pacific American Week was established in May 1979 by a joint Congressional Resolution passed the year before.

Back then, the recognition consisted of a rather modest week of events, compared to the major occasion it has become today.

This event was created because some of us in Congress wanted to find a way to bring national attention to Asian and Pacific American cultures across this country.

We also wanted to bring together local leaders to increase advocacy for our proud communities. We were able to establish that first recognition thanks to the pioneering efforts of Representatives Frank Horton and Norm Mineta, and Senators Dan Inouye and Spark Matsunaga, and the passionate advocacy of groups like the Organization of Chinese Americans, the Japanese American Citizens League, and the Organization of Chinese American Women.

Since then, our communities have made incredible strides. We are now a vital part of America's national identity, and our voices are heard on national issues.

I am so proud to see how far we have come. Asian Pacific Americans now hold many top leadership positions across the country, including three positions in President Obama's Cabinet: the Secretaries of Energy, Commerce, and Veterans' Affairs, more representation than ever before.

There are now twelve Asian Pacific Americans serving in Congress, in both parties and both chambers.

Just last night, Judge Nguyen became the first Asian Pacific American woman in history to serve on a U.S. Court of Appeals.

And there are many, many more Asian Pacific Americans holding prominent positions across our government and armed forces, and in business.

This month not only offers an opportunity to reflect on the history of Asian Pacific Americans, it provides a chance for our community to look ahead - to see how we can continue to make contributions and what more we must accomplish to achieve true parity in representation and influence.

Each year, many Asian Pacific organizations hold events to share our cultures with all Americans. This year is no different.

There are hundreds of events planned throughout the country and here in Washington that showcase the wide variety of cultures within the Asian Pacific American community.

I urge you all to participate! And if there are no events planned where you live, I encourage you to help organize one for next year. That's how this whole thing got started - by people like you deciding to come together and make a difference.

The United States is a great country, strengthened by our diverse contributions. Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month helps to remind us of that.

Again, I am so happy to see what this event has become in the 35 years since the House resolution to recognize Asian Pacific American Heritage was introduced, and the two decades since the full month of May was dedicated.

Thank you for supporting this important occasion and for your unwavering service to our communities and our great nation.

Mahalo, thank you.

God bless you. God bless the United States of America.

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Senate Confirms First Asian Pacific American Woman As Federal Appellate Judge

Mon, 7 May 2012 00:05:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) voted today in support of Judge Jacqueline H. Nguyen serving on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit as the Senate overwhelmingly confirmed her nomination by a vote of 93 to 3. With this confirmation, Judge Nguyen becomes the first Asian Pacific American woman in U.S. history to serve on a Court of Appeals.

"Judge Nguyen's confirmation marks another historic milestone for women and Asian Pacific Americans across the country," said Senator Akaka. "Judge Nguyen's experience, legal knowledge, and strong judicial record made her an exceptional candidate for this position on the Ninth Circuit Court."

Born in Vietnam, Nguyen fled to the United States with her family in 1975 after the fall of South Vietnam. She was confirmed unanimously to the Central District of California Court in 2009, and served as a California state court judge for seven years prior to that.

The Ninth Circuit Court has jurisdiction over the federal district courts in Hawaii, Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

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Hawaii retains $75 million Race to the Top Grant

Mon, 7 May 2012 00:05:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The Hawaii Congressional Delegation released the following statement in support of Hawaii's $75 million Race to the Top Grant after the U.S. Department of Education acknowledged that Hawaii has made significant progress in recent months.

"Hawaii has made significant progress with its Race to the Top grant since being placed on high-risk status last December. I am proud of their efforts. We must now demonstrate that the progress made and the reform path forward are sustainable and permanent. I am glad that the U.S. Department of Education has acknowledged the progress over these last months. While not yet removing the high risk status, the removal of the reimbursement hurdle will allow Hawaii to meet its challenges at a much quicker pace. I look forward to speaking personally with Secretary Duncan next week to reaffirm our Congressional Delegation's commitment, as well as that of our education leadership, to completing our race to the top for the benefit of Hawaii's children," said Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

"I am pleased to see Hawaii has made improvements in recent months to accomplish the goals of their Race to the Top project. I support the U.S. Department of Education's decision to remove Hawaii from reimbursement status for the competitive grant program. This is a very encouraging sign that the program is turning around. I urge Hawaii's educators to continue their diligent efforts to get the initiative back on track," said Senator Daniel K. Akaka.

Today's announcement reflects Hawaii's notable progress over the last several months toward fulfilling its Race to the Top plan," said Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. "While we still have much more work to do, lifting one of the federal sanctions on Hawaii's grant shows that Hawaii's teachers and schools are working hard and heading in the right direction. Improving our schools is challenging, but we can get there by working together toward clearly articulated reform goals."

"I congratulate the Hawaii Department of Education on their progress in meeting the requirements of Hawaii's Race to the Top grant. Education must be a primary concern for our community. The federal Race to the Top grant represented an acknowledgement of Hawaii's commitment to education and our willingness to pursue excellence. The actions of the U.S. Department of Education in recognition of HIDOE's recent efforts demonstrate that we are on the right track, and I encourage all involved to continue these efforts and place Hawaii's grant back on solid footing," said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.

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Hawaii Presidential Scholars

Wed, 2 May 2012 00:05:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC- Kimiko M. Matsuda-Lawrence from University Lab School and Kyle Y. Matsuda from Hawaii Prepatory Academy are Hawaii's 2012 Presidential Scholars, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced today.

Matsuda-Lawrence and Matsuda are two of 141 U.S. Presidential Scholars, selected by the U.S. Department of Education.

Since its creation by Executive Order in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored more than 6,000 graduating high school seniors for academic excellence, artistic accomplishments, and civic contributions.

Each year this unique program invites more than 3,000 students to apply for recognition based on outstanding scores on the College Board SAT or ACT assessments.

Applicants are further evaluated on the basis of school reports and transcripts, leadership activities, and contributions to family, school and community.

"I would like to congratulate Kimiko and Kyle for their hard work, focus, and dedication in the classroom. Not only did they excel academically, they are active, productive members of their community. A special thanks to their families and teachers who support these fine students and provide them the means to succeed. Their recognition is further proof that education is the greatest investment we can make in our future," said Senator Inouye.

"As a former educator, I am heartened to see students excel in their studies," said Senator Akaka. "It makes me especially proud to see two bright and motivated students from my home state receive this high recognition for their hard work and dedication to scholastic achievement. Kimiko and Kyle have excelled in their studies, campus leadership, and community service. I commend them for this recognition, and wish them the very best for their bright futures."

"Academically strong and well-rounded, Kimiko and Kyle excel inside the classroom and out. Congratulations to these student leaders, their teachers, and their families as Kimiko and Kyle now represent the State of Hawaii with distinction. I am honored to recognize Kimiko's selection as I consider her parents, Charles and Mari, dear friends. And I am impressed by Kyle's selection as he's not only a fine young scholar, but also an accomplished jazz pianist. As a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I am proud to recognize these newly named U.S. Presidential Scholars and wish them great success in the next chapters of their lives," said Congresswoman Hirono.

"Hawaii is proud that our students stand with the finest in the nation, representing the success our state can achieve in public and private education. I take these awards as proof that our investment in education has paid dividends, and that we must continue to support our students so others like Mr. Matsuda and Ms. Matsuda-Lawrence can move closer to fulfilling their dreams."

The lists of all candidates, semifinalists and Scholars will be posted on the Department's website at: http://www.ed.gov/programs/psp/awards.html

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Hawaii health centers receive more than $10 million to expand services

Wed, 2 May 2012 00:05:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC-Three Hawaii health centers will receive $10,083,021 to expand services and fund renovation and new construction projects that will help them serve more than 9,000 new patients, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced today.

The awards are part of a series of capital investments that are made available to community health centers under the Affordable Care Act which provides $9.5 billion to expand services over five years and $1.5 billion to support major construction and renovation projects at community health centers.

The West Hawaii Community Health will receive $5 million, the Malama I Ke Ola Health Center on Maui will receive $4,584,970 and the Hilo Bay Clinic will receive $498,051.

The grantees estimate the money will help them serve 9,030 new patients.

The money was awarded to the centers by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"Hawaii's community health centers are a vital part of our health care safety net and help families that have difficulty finding reliable, affordable healthcare. Our health centers are located in rural, underserved areas of Hawaii, and these funds will support expanded treatment for these communities while the new construction will create jobs. The Affordable Care Act was designed to ensure that all Americans have access to health professionals and I am very pleased that the administration recognizes the need Hawaii's health centers serve and is supporting their mission with much needed capital investments," said Senator Inouye.

"Community health centers play an important role in providing care to many hard-working island residents who would otherwise be unable access vital health services when they need them the most," said Senator Akaka. "I am pleased that the Department of Health and Human Services is again demonstrating its strong commitment to ensuring life-saving access to health care for all Americans. Through these crucial capital investment grants, our island community health clinics will be able to increase their operations to care for more than 9,000 additional underserved individuals on Maui and the Big Island."

"Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, these three Hawaii community health centers will be able to make the necessary improvements to have an even larger impact in Kailua Kona, Wailuku, and Hilo," said Congresswoman Hirono. "Having met with advocates from Hawaii's community health centers in March, including from West Hawaii Community Health Center and Malama I Ke Ola Health Center, I know the care and passion with which they approach their mission. This federal investment will allow more families in medically underserved areas to have access to important health services."

"For many who live in Hawaii's rural areas, community health centers represent reliable access to affordable health care. They are a vital part of the range of health care options available across our communities, and this investment in services and facilities will pay huge dividends in the lives of our neighbors and the health of our state," said Congresswoman Hanabusa.

A list of awards by program and state can be found at: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/

Information on the Affordable Care Act is available at: www.healthcare.gov

For more information on HRSA's community health center program, visit: http://bphc.hrsa.gov/

To find a health center in your area, visit: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

-END-

Senators applaud new FCC rule to make political advertising more transparent

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:04:00 GMT

Washington, DC- Today, the Federal Communications Commission voted to take a helpful step towards transparency by requiring broadcasters to post files online about who is buying advertising time for political candidates. Such information has to date only been available by going to television stations to inspect files in person. In February, United States Senators Jeff Merkley (OR), Al Franken (MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), Michael Bennet (CO), Mark Begich (AK), Daniel Akaka (HI), Jon Tester (MT) and Tom Udall (NM), called for this action to make political advertisements more transparent.

"Citizens United unleashed a flood of money into campaigns - money that threatens to drown out the voice of the people," Sen. Merkley said. "We need to beat back that tide of cash and the first step is in letting citizens know who exactly is paying for political ads. I applauded the FCC's action today. Disclosure is the first step toward turning our nation back to 'we, the people' from 'we, the powerful'."

"With record sums of money funneling into our elections for television advertisements, the FCC's ruling will increase transparency and let voters know who is funding attack ads, allowing people to make more informed decisions on election day," Sen. Akaka said. "I thank the FCC for helping us move in the right direction, although there is still more work to be done on campaign finance reform."

"Minnesotans deserve fair and transparent elections," said Sen. Franken. "Making sure that every Minnesotan knows who is funding the election ads they see and hear is even more important now that the Supreme Court has allowed companies to contribute unlimited amounts of corporate cash to influence elections. I'm pleased the FCC decided to make this requirement. It's one step out of the many needed to make our elections as transparent as possible."

"Even with Election Day still months away, the negative political ads paid for with anonymous money have already hit Colorado," said Sen. Bennet. "It's bad enough that we are inundated with these ads. It's outrageous that we don't know who is funding them. Although we have a long way to go before we have full transparency, this rule is an important step in that direction. I look forward to continuing to work to shine a light into these shadows of our political process."

"When it comes to political advertising, Alaskans deserve to know who is paying for what messages," Sen. Begich said. "The more we can do to bring transparency to this process, the better. I post my financial disclosure forms on-line, and I am glad to see the FCC make the disclosures of political advertisers that much easier to find and understand."

"Requiring broadcasters to post their political files online is a step toward more transparent elections," said Sen. Tom Udall. "When negative campaign ads flood the airwaves, at a minimum, voters should know who's paying for them and how much they've spent. I applaud the FCC for doing their part to open up election spending to greater public scrutiny and hope other agencies will follow suit."

In an effort to find how much time and money it would take to retrieve political advertising information, FCC staffers recently tried to access the political ad buys at a station in Baltimore. According to FCC Chair Julius Genachowski, it took more than 60 hours and cost the FCC nearly $2,000 in photocopying fees.

The new rule would require broadcast stations to make files related to political advertisements available publicly online. The stations are currently required to make the files available to the public, but only in paper form, requiring individual trips to each station to review the information. The data will now be compiled on the FCC's website.

Akaka introduces minority health equity bill

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:04:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2012 (S. 2474) with Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) to improve the health of underserved minority communities. The bill is supported by nearly two hundred organizations that work to overcome the health disparities that disproportionately affect minority groups.

"The Health Equity and Accountability Act makes improving health outcomes for minorities in this country a priority," said Senator Akaka. "My bill will make it easier for minority communities to access health care services by overcoming cultural and language barriers and increasing research on prevention and treatment of diseases that disproportionately affect minorities."

"The diverse nature of our nation's population requires that we adjust our healthcare system to accommodate for medical conditions, diseases, environmental realities, and mental health issues that frequently affect different minorities," said Senator Inouye. "What is good for the health of the many is not always the case for some underrepresented segments of our society. This bill will go a long way toward identifying, treating, and preventing health issues that disproportionately impact minorities."

Senator Akaka's introduction is timely because April is National Minority Health Month and May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

"When there are barriers to good health care it hurts us all, not only minorities. I introduced this bill to move our nation towards more effective ways to reduce health inequity," Senator Akaka said. "The Affordable Care Act has helped to improve access to health care for millions of Americans, but there is still a lot more to do to achieve health equity among all communities in the United States."

This Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2012 would:

Address issues in comprehensive data reporting that lead to a lack of information about the health status of minority groups;

Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare, including the training of a diverse health workforce to effectively serve minority populations;

Remove barriers to care in rural communities through the development of health empowerment zones and the expansion of coverage to previously marginalized groups;

Provide educational and preventive services to decrease teenage pregnancies and support the health of women and children;

Increase the availability of appropriate mental health services;

Focus research on diseases that disproportionately affect minority groups;

Establish the role of health information technology in reducing health disparities;

Call for accountability and transparency from federal agencies in addressing issues of minority health; and

Address social determinates and improve environmental issues that lead to poor health outcomes for minority individuals.

Senator Akaka's statement introducing the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2012 (S. 2474) in yesterday's Congressional Record is available here: LINK

The full bill text is available here: LINK

-END-

Senators: Implement Volcker rule without delay

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:04:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Senators Daniel K. Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye joined a group of 22 Senators this week calling on regulators to write and implement a strong Volcker Rule free of loopholes and draw clear lines between large hedge-fund like trading and traditional banking. In a letter to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and other regulators, the Senators reminded the agency heads of the major role conflict-ridden, high-risk trading had in the makings of the financial crisis, and the need for the Volcker Rule firewall.

"The American people suffered greatly because of the financial crisis," the Senators wrote. "The Volcker Rule is a critical protection to help ensure that such a crisis does not happen again. The economy needs these protections, our constituents deserve these protections, and the law demands these protections. Please implement a clear, strong, and effective Volcker Rule without delay."

The Volcker Rule was established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, which became law on July 21, 2010. Senators Akaka and Inouye both supported the Wall Street Reform Act, which was developed in response to the 2008 economic downturn.

"The financial crisis was a stark reminder of the importance of a healthy banking system where households and businesses are able to access credit to continue to drive our economy," said Senator Akaka. "The Volcker Rule keeps banks out of the business of high-risk trading that threatens economic stability and puts families on the hook."

The letter lists out specific issues with the proposed Volcker Rule from October, but asks that it not be delayed or scrapped. Rather, it urges the regulators to:

adopt the best elements from the proposed rule;

eliminate loopholes;

draw clear lines based on objective data and observable markets;

strengthen CEO and board-level accountability and public disclosure; and

provide coordinated and consistent enforcement, including data sharing by regulators.

Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and Carl Levin (D-Michigan) authored the letter which was signed by Senators Akaka, Inouye, Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Al Franken (D-Minnesota), Dianne Feinstein (D-California), Richard Durbin (D-Illinois), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Frank Lautenberg (D-New Jersey), Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), Barbara Boxer (D-California), Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri), Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), and Jay Rockefeller (D-West Virginia).

The full text of the letter is below.

April 26, 2012

Hon. Ben Bernanke, Chairman
Federal Reserve Board
20th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20551

Hon. Thomas Curry
Comptroller of the Currency
Department of the Treasury
Washington, DC 20219

Hon. Gary Gensler, Chairman
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Three Lafayette Centre
1155 21st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20581

Hon. Martin Gruenberg, Acting Chairman
Federal Deposit Insurance Commission
550 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20429

Hon. Mary Shapiro, Chairman
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, NE
Washington, DC 20549

RE: Proposed Rule to Implement Prohibitions and Restrictions on Proprietary Trading and Certain Interests in, and Relationships with, Hedge Funds and Private Equity Funds

Dear Messrs. Bernanke, Curry, Gensler, and Gruenberg, and Ms. Shapiro:

We write as the original sponsors, co-sponsors, and supporters of the effort to establish a strong wall between our nation's core banking system and high-risk, potentially conflicted trading activities. This wall, commonly known as the Volcker Rule, was established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and will become effective in July of this year. We urge you to fully implement a clear, strong, and effective Volcker Rule without delay.

You have no doubt heard, as we have, from those who would like us to forget the causes of the financial crisis and forget why the Volcker Rule was enacted. Moreover, some argue that if the Volcker Rule is implemented properly, the financial markets will cease to function, forgetting that our financial markets became the envy of the world during the nearly 70 years that the Glass-Steagall Act was in effect. But the economic consequences of the financial crisis on American families have been severe, and the American people demand that it not be repeated. We must remember the urgency of reform and the necessity for vibrant, healthy markets.

Numerous inquiries into the causes of the financial crisis, including the hearings of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations and the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, established the need for these provisions.[1] Conflict-ridden, high-risk trading activities played a central role in big banks' accumulation of the failed toxic assets that helped freeze credit to businesses and families, and led to trillions of dollars of taxpayer-backed bailouts of the largest financial firms.[2]

To ensure that taxpayers are never again asked to bail out these bad bets, and that our economy never again suffer the consequences of excessive risk-taking on Wall Street, Congress adopted the Merkley-Levin provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, which set forth the statutory basis for the Volcker Rule. These provisions: (1) separate core credit extension and customer banking services from hedge fund-like trading activities, (2) eliminate egregious conflicts of interest in bank trading activities, and (3) address similar risks at systemically significant non-bank financial firms. In short, the statute's mandate is to vigorously address systemic risk and conflicts of interest in major capital market activities.

While the vast majority of banks will be unaffected by the provisions, the prohibition on proprietary trading will unquestionably reduce some banks' trading. Proprietary trading, regardless of where it occurs within a bank, is prohibited.[3] These provisions are squarely aimed at the handful of very large banks that, with the implicit subsidy of taxpayers, dramatically expanded their hedge fund-like trading operations in the run up to the crisis, and subsequently relied on taxpayers to bail them out.
U.S. capital markets will be the stronger under the Volcker Rule. With fewer conflicts of interest and more reliable market-makers, our markets will be healthy and vibrant, just as they were when the Glass-Steagall Act protected our financial system.[4] But we need you to fulfill the statutory mandate.

Your proposed rule from October was an important step towards implementing this law. Now is the time to finish the job. Some of us have criticized the proposal for failing to draw simple, clear lines and for adding loopholes. To be sure, the proposed rule is not perfect, but it should not be delayed or scrapped. Rather, we urge you to -

adopt the best elements from the proposed rule;

eliminate loopholes;

draw clear lines based on objective data and observable markets;

strengthen CEO and board-level accountability and public disclosure; and

provide coordinated and consistent enforcement, including data sharing by regulators.

In addition, we urge you to maintain and ensure ease of compliance, as provided in the proposed rule, for the overwhelming number of community and regional banks that do not engage in covered activities.

The rule should be finalized this summer. The banks that will be directly impacted by the Volcker Rule have already had nearly two years to realign their businesses to comply with the broad contours of the rule, and many have already taken steps to do so. The statute itself provides for an additional two years - extendable up to five years - for financial firms to come into compliance with the Volcker Rule. During the period, additional guidance may be offered as new data becomes available or with respect to particular provisions that may require deeper analysis, for example, prohibited conflicts of interest or high-risk trading strategies. Setting out this guidance now is the path to providing industry, investors, and taxpayers the certainty they want regarding how this important firewall will be applied.
The American people suffered greatly because of the financial crisis. The Volcker Rule is a critical protection to help ensure that such a crisis does not happen again. The economy needs these protections, our constituents deserve these protections, and the law demands these protections. Please implement a clear, strong, and effective Volcker Rule without delay.

Sincerely,

cc: Hon. Timothy Geithner, Secretary of the Treasury
Mr. Gene Sperling, Director, National Economic Council
Hon. Paul Volcker

-----

The Wall Street Reform Act includes a number of provisions to strengthen the financial system and prevent future economic crises written by Senator Akaka, a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Senator Akaka included a provision to create the Office of the Investor Advocate within the Securities and Exchange Commission to ensure that the interests of retail investors are better represented. Another provision based on an amendment written by Senator Akaka and Senator Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey) helps to ensure that financial professionals act with the best interests of their clients in mind when they are giving personalized investment advice. The Wall Street Reform Act created the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and Senator Akaka included a provision that created the Office of Financial Education within the new Bureau. This office is developing and implementing initiatives to educate and empower consumers through improved financial literacy.

-END-

Statement on the introduction of the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:04:00 GMT

Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I am proud to once again introduce legislation addressing the health care disparities in racial and ethnic minority communities, the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2012. I would like to thank my cosponsor, Senator INOUYE, along with a number of our colleagues in the House of Representatives, for all their support and contributions to this important legislation, and for raising awareness of this widespread problem.

While there are glaring health disparities based on racial and ethnic identity alone, they are further exacerbated by factors such as socioeconomics, geography, and sexual orientation and identity. Although the exact causes for the current state of health disparities in our country may be debatable, it is undeniable that ethnic, racial, geographic, and other minorities across the United States are plagued by disproportionately high rates of disease and experience a diminished quality of health care. Statistics paint a disturbing picture of minority health, consistently showing higher rates of illness and death for members of minority and marginalized groups.

For instance, HIV/AIDS has had a devastating impact on minorities in the U.S. In 2009, ethnic minorities accounted for over 70 percent of newly diagnosed cases of HIV. That year, nine out of ten of babies born with HIV belonged to minority groups. The Office of Minority Health reported that, compared to Caucasians, Hispanic individuals are three times more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS; Native Americans are 1.4 times more likely; and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are 2.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS.

Cancer is the number one killer of Asian American Pacific Islanders and the second leading cause of death for most other racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. Cancer also affects African Americans at particularly alarming rates and has a disproportionate prevalence in the population of Hispanic women, who are 1.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer than non-Hispanic women. In addition, Native Americans are twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to develop stomach or liver cancer.

The infant mortality rates for African Americans are one-and-a-half to three times higher than the rates for infants born to women of other races and ethnicities. Hispanic individuals are three times more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS than Caucasian individuals. As our nation continues to struggle with obesity, trends show increasingly high rates of obesity in minority groups, with young Mexican-American men under the age of 20 experiencing obesity at a rate of 25 percent of the population, while white men of the same age have a rate of just 15 percent.

Circulatory diseases are a growing problem in the Pacific region. These diseases not only lower patients' quality of life, but they are also very costly. Data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality shows that eliminating preventable hospitalizations that are associated with lower incomes would save $6.7 billion in health care costs each year. However, the numbers alone do not capture the full extent of health disparities since there are additional issues with data collection and multiple factors often contribute to deaths.

In 2005, I introduced a similar piece of legislation, S. 1580, because many of the indigenous and ethnic minority communities across the United States and its territories lacked essential access to health care and suffered from certain key diseases at disproportionately high rates. The bill I am introducing today addresses many of the same issues and also takes into account the strong advances made by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. In 2008, the landmark health care reform legislation laid the foundation to start reducing some of those health disparities. Senator INOUYE and I are introducing this legislation today to build on the work of the Affordable Care Act, and to advance the national discussion on how we can better achieve health equity.

While the Affordable Care Act expanded care in diverse communities across the country, such as Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, it is important that we take further steps to ensure that all Americans, regardless of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, physical, and geographic circumstances, have affordable access to high-quality health care. Because the causes of health care disparities are wide-ranging, the scope of this bill must be equally encompassing. Therefore, my bill focuses on two main strategies: first, encouraging research on diseases and conditions that disproportionately impact minority individuals; and second, improving access to effective care for minority communities.

We must make it easier to identify existing disparities through comprehensive data collection, ensure workforce diversity, target diseases that disproportionately affect minorities, and make culturally and linguistically appropriate health care services available to all.

We need more comprehensive data on the most significant health care problems experienced by minority individuals and the factors that play a role in how these diseases affect different communities. The more we know about the way populations are affected by disease, the better prepared health care professionals will be to create strategies to both treat and prevent each high-impact disease in specific communities. My bill will help to accomplish this by strengthening both data collection and the reporting of health data.

To complement our efforts in data collection, we must also target disease awareness education and effective preventative services towards communities with large populations of ethnic and racial minorities at high risk for certain diseases. Community-based programs as well as comprehensive disease-specific programs already in place are helping to ensure that the health needs of minority communities are being met. My legislation would revitalize efforts in community health and preventive services, which are the most cost-effective ways of providing care.

This bill builds upon the Affordable Care Act's historic investment in prevention and calls for resources to target communities striving to overcome negative social factors. This bill encourages these investments and focuses on preventing fatal diseases, which could save thousands of lives each year and lower health care costs.

Although prevention plays a critical role in finding ways to close disparities, we also have to invest in research to develop better treatment plans for diseases that disproportionately affect indigenous, racial, and ethnic minorities, and to ensure that currently underserved communities have access to care. My bill proposes focused approaches to combat a variety of diseases and conditions, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, which have a disparate impact on racial and ethnic minorities. This legislation also helps to provide affordable and culturally appropriate access to care in several ways.

My bill, the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2012, includes proposals to remove significant barriers to health care coverage and access and maximize the positive impact of federal investments in health care in minority communities. For example, it would re-establish Medicaid eligibility for citizens of the Compact of Free Association nations living in the United States. This would greatly ease the financial burden on states like Hawaii and Arkansas, which have been forced to absorb the costs of providing health and social services, education, and public safety for Compact migrants in accordance with unfunded federal mandates since 1996.

My bill would also make health care more affordable and improve access by providing a 100 percent Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage, FMAP, for Native Hawaiians who receive health care from Federally Qualified Health Centers or the Native Hawaiian Health Care System. The increased FMAP will ensure that Native Hawaiians have access to the essential health services provided by community health centers and the Native Hawaiian Health Care System. These provisions would provide treatment for Native Hawaiians that is similar to that already provided to Native Alaskans through the Indian Health Service or tribal organizations.

This legislation will make it easier for minorities with cultural and language barriers to improve their health outcomes by enhancing language access services, making health literacy a priority in patient care, and making sure there is culturally competent care in the health care delivery system. My bill will support professionals who are well-equipped to provide quality health care that is culturally and linguistically appropriate. As a part of this effort, this legislation creates training opportunities for willing and competent minority candidates to enter the health care workforce.

The Health Equity and Accountability Act also seeks to ensure that communities of color benefit from the rapid advances in health information technology, or health IT. It also encourages new investments in health IT infrastructure, which will serve as the foundation for improving the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency for all Americans in our future health care system. Improvements in health IT and health IT infrastructure will also make it possible for rural communities to access mobile health services and other treatment and diagnostics that were previously unavailable.

Another vital service that my bill seeks to make more accessible is mental health care. The Affordable Care Act fundamentally improved services for individuals with mental health and addiction disorders. Despite the improvements, mental health treatment remains underutilized, especially by minorities, due to social stigma and cultural resistance. To develop access and encourage treatment, my bill incorporates culturally competent strategies to address mental and behavioral health problems affecting minority communities and authorizes investment in researching and treating these serious conditions.

However, we cannot simply put these provisions in place and believe that they will eliminate all health disparities. We must have accountability and regular evaluation of these programs to ensure they are being carried out as they were intended, and that they are meeting their goals. To that end, my bill strengthens oversight by the Department of Health and Human Services, requiring the Department to make regular scheduled reports to Congress on the impact of these initiatives to ensure that they are continuing to reduce health disparities.

April is National Minority Health Month, and as we work diligently to transform health care in America, it is essential that we strive to eliminate the health disparities that affect our minority groups. This bill would significantly improve the quality of life for indigenous people, ethnic and racial minorities, as well as other marginalized groups. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation, and begin an open dialogue on how we can close the gap in health care across the country.

Senate passes resolution honoring public servants

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:04:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Senate last night unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) honoring federal, state and local government employees, both civilian and military, during Public Service Recognition Week. Public Service Recognition Week starts next Sunday, May 6th.

The cosponsors of Senator Akaka's resolution (S. Res. 419) are Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Carl Levin (D-Michigan), Joseph Lieberman (ID-Connecticut), Tom Carper (D-Delaware), Frank Lautenberg (D-New Jersey), Jim Webb (D-Virginia), Christopher A. Coons (D-Delaware), Scott Brown (R-Massachusetts), and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Maryland).

Senator Akaka said: "I am pleased the Senate has agreed once again to honor our public servants. Over the course of my career in public service, I have worked with so many talented, hard-working people dedicated to helping others. I have been inspired meeting countless men and women who come to work every day to serve their communities and country. These admirable Americans provide so many of the vital services that make our way of life possible."

Senator Akaka is the Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia.

For more information on Public Service Recognition Week, please visit http://publicservicerecognitionweek.org/

-END-

Statement on the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2011

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:04:00 GMT

Chairman Akaka speaks on the Senate floor today
(Senate Recording Studio video capture)

Washington D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, delivered the following statement on the Senate floor today:

I rise today in support of S. 1925, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2011.

Since its enactment in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has enhanced the investigation and prosecution of incidents of domestic and sexual violence, and provided critical services to victims and their advocates in court. It has truly been a lifeline for women across the country, regardless of location, race, or socio-economic status.

For these reasons, VAWA's two prior reauthorizations were overwhelmingly bipartisan. This year, however, a number of my colleagues are opposing the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization because they object to, among other things, the authority that it restores to Native American tribes to prosecute those who commit violent crimes against Native women.

This bill's tribal provisions address the epidemic rates of violence against Native women -- by enabling VAWA programs to more directly and promptly respond to their concerns and needs. These tribal provisions are critical to the lives of Native women and doubly important to me as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs -- and a Native Hawaiian.

Native women are two-and-a-half times more likely than other U.S. women to be battered or raped. These are extremely disturbing statistics: Thirty four percent of Native women will be raped in their lifetimes, and thirty nine percent will suffer domestic violence. That's more than one out of every three Native women. We must come together to put a stop to this.

Last summer, I chaired an oversight hearing entitled: "Native Women -- Protecting, Shielding, and Safeguarding Our Sisters, Mothers, and Daughters." I heard the heartbreaking stories that lie behind the grim and troubling statistics on violence against American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women.

My committee heard from the Chief of the Catawba Nation, who gave a moving account of his experience growing up with domestic violence and the impact it had on the women and children in his community. He also spoke of the importance of reauthorizing VAWA.

We heard from officials who described how existing laws are failing Native women. We heard, for example, that women in tribal communities live in a confusing and dangerous jurisdictional maze - in which the absence of clear lines of authority often leads to offenders, many of whom are non-Native men, escaping investigation and prosecution, to say nothing of punishment. This outrageous and unacceptable situation has led to repeated offenses against Native women that too often spiral into violence with tragic consequences for the women, their children, and their communities.

My committee also heard that Native women are being increasingly targeted by the sex-trafficking industry and that many have, according to police reports from tribal communities across the country, simply vanished into this terrible underworld.

A draft bill to address violence against Native women was circulated to a wide range of stakeholders for feedback. This led to strengthened provisions in the draft bill, which I introduced as S. 1763, the Stand Against Violence and Empower Native Women Act, also known as the SAVE Native Women Act, in October. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a legislative hearing on my bill the following month, and then reported it out of the committee in December.

Since then, I have worked closely with my good friend and colleague, Senator Leahy, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, as he developed S. 1925, which now includes the SAVE Native Women Act.

S. 1925's tribal provisions empower tribal courts to prosecute crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, or violations of protection orders, regardless of the race of the alleged abuser. This bill also strengthens research and programs to address sex trafficking.

Since VAWA was enacted eighteen years ago, and reauthorized twice since then, a hallmark of the law is that it has expanded its protections to classes of once neglected victims. Accordingly, S. 1925's tribal provisions are consistent with VAWA's history, as well as its intent and purpose, which past Congresses have embraced.

Last week, fifty law professors from leading institutions across the country sent a letter to Congress expressing their "full confidence in the constitutionality of the legislation, and in its necessity to protect the safety of Native women." And, just this week, the White House released a Statement of Administration Policy stating that it "strongly supports" these provisions, which will "bring justice to Native American victims."

I commend Chairman Leahy for his dedicated leadership in developing this bill. He has truly worked in the spirit of aloha by partnering with the Indian Affairs Committee and other offices to craft a VAWA reauthorization bill that reasserts VAWA's intent, purpose, and history. I would also like to say mahalo-thank you-to each of this bill's other bipartisan cosponsors."

As we all know, domestic and sexual violence continues to occur, and far too many women across the country are victims of these horrible acts. We have heard from victims, from service-providers, and from law enforcement that these crimes can leave victims with lasting emotional and physical scars, while endangering their security, their families, and their lives. This bill will strengthen the Violence Against Women Act and extend its protections to include Native women that are underserved in the current system.

This is not an issue that should divide us along partisan lines. On the contrary, it should unite us to take a stand against these awful crimes. I urge you to join me and the rest of S. 1925's co-sponsors to protect our sisters, mothers, and daughters and pass this bill.

Video of Senator Akaka's floor statement is available here: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/videoLibrary/clip.php?appid=601605560

-END-

Statement on the resignation of Larry Echo Hawk

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:04:00 GMT

Washington D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, made the following statement on the resignation of Larry Echo Hawk, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs for the Department of the Interior.

"Larry Echo Hawk has been a great friend to the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Whether advocating for the protection of tribal sovereignty, trust responsibility, or the right to self-sufficiency, Larry has spent his tenure working for what is pono - right and just."

"Larry has strengthened the government-to-government relationship between tribes and the federal government. His leadership and vision will be greatly missed."

"I would like to say mahalo nui loa for all of the work that Larry has done on behalf of our Native peoples, and to extend a warm aloha as he embarks on a new chapter of his life."

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Senate passes Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization which includes Akaka's provisions to protect Native women

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:04:00 GMT

Washington D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, applauded today's passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization of 2011. The legislation includes provisions from the Stand Against Violence and Empower (SAVE) Native Women Act, which Chairman Akaka introduced in October and quickly advanced through his committee.

"VAWA was a landmark piece of legislation because it changed the way that our Nation dealt with violence against women. Acts of domestic violence are no longer dismissed as just family issues - now police and private citizens work to eradicate these crimes," said Akaka. "But tragically, this is not always the case on reservations, in part due to jurisdictional issues which must be fixed. The Native provisions included in the reauthorization would close the loopholes in the public safety patchwork on Tribal lands so that more rapists and abusers can be brought to justice, and ensure that women's safety programs have the flexibility and tools they need to help all victims get the help they need."

Chairman Akaka's SAVE Native Women provisions, which passed the Senate today, would provide Indian Country with jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit crimes on Indian lands, provide Native Hawaiian victims with access to the sexual assault coalition grants, and provide additional tools to tribal and Federal prosecutors to address domestic violence.

"I commend Senator Leahy and Senator Crapo for their leadership in developing the VAWA Reauthorization and for including the SAVE Native Women provisions," Akaka said. "I urge the House to pass this legislation as soon as possible, to save Native women and all American women from continued violence."

Senator Akaka delivered a floor speech earlier today urging his colleagues to approve the VAWA Reauthorization. Click here for video and text of his speech.

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