Brian Schatz
Senator for Hawaii · Democratic · United States
“And the reason I voted no yesterday is because I am not voting for a defense bill until this war is over, and I am not voting for a defense bill until we get to debate the most important thing happening in terms of our national defense. We are at war, and we are being prevented from even overseeing it.”
“And the reason I voted no yesterday is because I am not voting for a defense bill until this war is over, and I am not voting for a defense bill until we get to debate the most important thing happening in terms of our national defense. We are at war, and we are being prevented from even overseeing it.”
“And the criticism of the Obama agreement--and I was on the floor defending it--was that it didn't last long enough--not that it wasn't any good, but that it didn't last in perpetuity; that it was only good for 10 years. Now we have got nothing. Now we have got nothing.”
“To that point, having repeatedly ruled out allowing any uranium enrichment and demanding that Iran turn over its uranium stockpile, Trump has changed his tune on both: ``It is a little hard''--``it is a little hard''--``when other people have it, other adjoining states have it, and you're not letting them have it for purposes of electrici…”
“We went to war to change the regime. Not only not a success, but a terrible failure. We have got a younger and more radical and entrenched Ayatollah in the regime of Iran. And now they know they can withstand our best hit.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4098-S4100] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] Iran Mr. SCHATZ. Mr.”
The complete record
Every one of 410 lines we hold for Brian Schatz, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 5 of 9.
“(3) Advisory and subcommittee committees designees.--Each Commission business meeting shall include participation by 2 non-voting designees from each of the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee, the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, and the Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, as appointed in accordance with section 5313(c)(1)(D), section 5321(e)(1)(C), and section 5322(c)(1)(B), as applicable. (4) Format of meetings.--A business meeting of the Commission may be conducted in-person or virtually. (5) Quorum required.--A business meeting of the Commission may be held only after a quorum, established in accordance with subsection (d), is present. (d) Quorum.--A simple majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for a business meeting.”
“(c) Business Meetings.-- (1) Initial business meeting.--90 days after the date on which all of the members of the Commission are appointed under subsection (b)(1)(A), the Commission shall hold [[Page S3808]] the initial business meeting of the Commission-- (A) to appoint a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, and such other positions as determined necessary by the Commission; (B) to establish rules for meetings of the Commission; and (C) to appoint members of-- (i) the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee under section 5313(b)(1); and (ii) the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee under section 5321(b)(1). (2) Subsequent business meetings.--After the initial business meeting of the Commission is held under paragraph (1), the Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson.”
“(B) Vacancies.--After all initial members of the Commission are appointed and the initial business meeting of the Commission has been convened under subsection (c)(1), a single vacancy in the Commission-- (i) shall not affect the powers of the Commission; and (ii) shall be filled within 90 days in the same manner as was the original appointment. (C) Removal.--A quorum of members of the Commission may remove a member of the Commission only for neglect of duty or malfeasance. (5) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate 6 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (6) Limitation.--No member of the Commission may otherwise be an officer or employee of the Federal Government.”
“(ii) Additional qualifications.--In addition to the qualifications described in clause (i), each member of the Commission shall be an individual of recognized integrity and empathy, with a demonstrated commitment to the values of truth, reconciliation, healing, and expertise in truth and healing endeavors that are traditionally and culturally appropriate so as to provide balanced points of view and expertise with respect to the duties of the Commission. (3) Date.--Members of the Commission under paragraph (1) shall be appointed not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (4) Period of appointment; vacancies; removal.-- (A) Period of appointment.--A member of the Commission shall be appointed for a term that is the shorter of-- (i) 6 years; and (ii) the life of the Commission.”
“(C) Qualifications.-- (i) In general.--Nominees to serve on the Commission shall have significant experience in matters relating to-- (I) overseeing or leading complex research initiatives with and for Indian Tribes and Native Americans; (II) indigenous human rights law and policy; (III) Tribal court judicial and restorative justice systems and Federal agencies, such as participation as a Tribal judge, researcher, or former presidentially appointed commissioner; (IV) providing and coordinating trauma-informed care and other health-related services to Indian Tribes and Native Americans; or (V) traditional and cultural resources and practices in Native communities.”
“(2) Nominations.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Americans, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Native Hawaiian organizations may submit to the Secretary of the Interior nominations for individuals to be appointed as members of the Commission. (B) Submission to congress.--Not later than 7 days after the submission deadline for nominations described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to Congress a list of the individuals nominated under that subparagraph.”
“(B) 1 member shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, in consultation with the Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate. (C) 1 member shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives. (D) 1 member shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, in consultation with the Ranking Member of the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives. (E) 1 member shall be jointly appointed by the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate.”
“5304). Subtitle A--Commission and Subcommittee CHAPTER 1--TRUTH AND HEALING COMMISSION ON INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL POLICIES IN THE UNITED STATES SEC. 5311. TRUTH AND HEALING COMMISSION ON INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL POLICIES IN THE UNITED STATES. (a) Establishment.--There is established in the legislative branch a commission, to be known as the ``Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States''. (b) Membership.-- (1) Appointment.--Nominees submitted under paragraph (2)(A) shall be appointed as members to the Commission as follows: (A) 1 member shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate, in consultation with the Chairperson of the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate.”
“(11) Office of hawaiian affairs.--The term ``Office of Hawaiian Affairs'' has the meaning given the term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517). (12) Survivors truth and healing subcommittee.--The term ``Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee'' means the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee established by section 5313(a). (13) Trauma-informed care.--The term ``trauma-informed care'' means holistic psychological and health care practices that include promoting culturally responsive practices, patient psychological, physical, and emotional safety, and environments of healing, trust, peer support, and recovery. (14) Tribal organization.--The term ``Tribal organization'' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.”
“(8) Native american truth and healing advisory committee.-- The term ``Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee'' means the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee established by the Commission under section 5321(a). (9) Native hawaiian.--The term ``Native Hawaiian'' has the meaning given the term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517). (10) Native hawaiian organization.--The term ``Native Hawaiian organization'' means a private nonprofit organization that-- (A) serves and represents the interests of Native Hawaiians; (B) has as its primary and stated purpose the provision of services to Native Hawaiians; (C) has Native Hawaiians serving in substantive and policymaking positions; and (D) has expertise in Native Hawaiian affairs.”
“(5) Indian boarding school policies.--The term ``Indian Boarding School Policies'' means Federal laws, policies, and practices purported to ``assimilate'' and ``civilize'' Native Americans that included psychological, physical, sexual, and mental abuse, forced removal from home or community, and identity-altering practices intended to terminate Native languages, cultures, religions, social organizations, or connections to traditional land. (6) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). (7) Native american.--The term ``Native American'' means an individual who is-- (A) an Indian; or (B) a Native Hawaiian.”
“(4) Indian boarding school.--The term ``Indian Boarding School'' means-- (A) a site of an institution that-- (i) provided on-site housing or overnight lodging; (ii) was described in Federal records as providing formal academic or vocational training and instruction to Native Americans; (iii) received Federal funds or other Federal support; and (iv) was operational before 1969; (B) a site of an institution identified by the Department of the Interior in appendices A and B of the report entitled ``Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative Report'' and dated May 2022 (or a successor report); or (C) any other institution that implemented Indian Boarding School Policies, including an Indian day school.”
“In this division: (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States established by section 5311(a). (2) Federal and religious truth and healing advisory committee.--The term ``Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee'' means the Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee established by section 5322(a). (3) Indian.--The term ``Indian'' has the meaning given the term in section 6151 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7491).”
“This division may be cited as the ``Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026''. SEC. 5302. PURPOSES. The purposes of this division are-- (1) to establish a Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States, including other necessary advisory committees and subcommittees; (2) to formally investigate, document, and report on the histories of Indian Boarding Schools, Indian Boarding School Polices, and the systematic and long-term effects of those schools and policies on Native American peoples; (3) to develop recommendations for Federal efforts based on the findings of the Commission; and (4) to promote healing for survivors of Indian Boarding Schools, the descendants of those survivors, and the communities of those survivors. SEC. 5303. DEFINITIONS.”
“(2) Environmental contamination.--Environmental contamination referred to in [[Page S3807]] paragraph (1) includes any oil or petroleum products, hazardous substances, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, pollutants, toxic substances, solid waste, or any other environmental contamination or hazard as defined in any Federal or State of Alaska law. (3) Notice of hazardous substance activity and warranty.-- In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall comply with section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)). (4) Limitation on applicability.--This subsection shall only apply to the property conveyance specifically required by this section. TITLE III--TRUTH AND HEALING COMMISSION ON INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL POLICIES ACT OF 2026 SEC. 5301. SHORT TITLE.”
“(3) Easement.--The Secretary shall be accorded any easement or access to the property conveyed under subsection (b)(1) as may be reasonably necessary to satisfy any retained obligation or liability of the Secretary. (d) Environmental Liability.-- (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, SCF shall not be liable for any soil, surface water, groundwater, or other contamination resulting from the disposal, release, or presence of any environmental contamination described in paragraph (2) on any portion of the property described in subsection (b)(1) that occurred on or before the date on which the property is conveyed to SCF under that subsection, except that the Secretary shall not be liable for any contamination that occurred after the date that SCF controlled, occupied, and used the property.”
“(c) Conditions of Conveyance.-- (1) Conditions.--The conveyance under paragraph (1) of subsection (b)-- (A) shall be made by warranty deed; and (B) shall not-- (i) require any consideration from SCF for the property described in paragraph (2) of that subsection; (ii) impose any obligation, term, or condition on SCF relating to that property; or (iii) allow for any reversionary interest of the United States in that property. (2) Effect on any quitclaim deed.--The conveyance by the Secretary under paragraph (1) of subsection (b) by warranty deed shall, on the effective date of the conveyance, supersede, and render of no future effect, any quitclaim deed to the property described in paragraph (2) of that subsection executed by the Secretary and SCF.”
“(b) Conveyance of Property to SCF.-- (1) In general.--As soon as practicable, but not later than 2 years, after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall convey to SCF all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the property described in paragraph (2) for use in connection with health and social services programs. (2) Property described.--The property, including all land, improvements, and appurtenances, referred to in this subsection is the approximately 3.372 acres located in Lot 1A, Block 36 East Addition, Anchorage Townsite Subdivision in Anchorage, Alaska, according to the official plat thereof, filed under Plat No. 2025-11, records of the Anchorage Recording District, Third Judicial District, State of Alaska.”
“``(i) Jurisdiction.--The grant of a right-of-way under subsection (a) does not waive the sovereign immunity of the Indian tribe or diminish the jurisdiction of that Indian tribe over the Tribal land subject to the right-of-way, unless otherwise provided in-- ``(1) the grant of the right-of-way; or ``(2) the regulations of the Indian tribe.''. TITLE II--SOUTHCENTRAL FOUNDATION LAND TRANSFER ACT OF 2026 SEC. 5201. SOUTHCENTRAL FOUNDATION LAND TRANSFER. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) SCF.--The term ``SCF'' means the Southcentral Foundation located in Anchorage, Alaska. (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.”
“``(f) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section affects the application of any Tribal regulations issued under Federal environmental law. ``(g) Effect of Tribal Regulations.--An approved Tribal regulation under subsection (b) shall not preclude an Indian tribe from, in the discretion of the Indian tribe, consenting to the grant of a right-of-way by the Secretary of the Interior under the section 1. ``(h) Terms of Right-of-Way.--The compensation for, and terms of, a right-of-way granted under subsection (a) will be determined by-- ``(1) negotiations by the Indian tribe; or ``(2) the regulations of the Indian tribe.”
“``(3) Documentation.--If the Secretary of the Interior determines that a Tribal regulation was violated after conducting a review under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior shall-- ``(A) provide written documentation, with respect to the Tribal regulation that has been violated, to the appropriate interested party and Indian tribe; ``(B) provide the applicable Indian tribe with a written notice of the alleged violation; and ``(C) prior to the exercise of any remedy, including rescinding the approval for the applicable Tribal regulation or reassuming responsibility for approving rights-of-way through the trust land of the applicable Indian tribe, provide the applicable Indian tribe with-- ``(i) a hearing that is on the record; and ``(ii) a reasonable opportunity to cure the alleged violation.”
“``(e) Compliance.-- ``(1) In general.--An interested party, after exhaustion of any applicable Tribal remedies, may submit a petition to the Secretary of the Interior, at such time and in such form as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, to review the compliance of an applicable Indian tribe with a Tribal regulation approved by the Secretary of the Interior under subsection (b). ``(2) Violations.--If the Secretary of the Interior determines that a Tribal regulation was violated after conducting a review under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior may take any action the Secretary of the Interior determines to be necessary to remedy the violation, including rescinding the approval of the Tribal regulation and reassuming responsibility for approving rights-of-way through the trust land of the applicable Indian tribe.”
“``(2) Authority of the secretary.-- ``(A) In general.--Pursuant to the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to fulfill the trust obligation of the United States to the applicable Indian tribe under Federal law (including regulations), the Secretary of the Interior may, on reasonable notice from the applicable Indian tribe and at the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior, enforce the provisions of, or cancel, any right-of-way granted by the Indian tribe under subsection (a). ``(B) Authority.--The enforcement or cancellation of a right-of-way under subparagraph (A) shall be conducted using regulatory procedures issued under section 6.”
“``(c) Documentation.--An Indian tribe granting a right-of- way under subsection (a) shall provide to the Secretary of the Interior-- ``(1) a copy of the right-of-way, including any amendments or renewals; and ``(2) if the right-of-way allows for compensation to be made directly to the Indian tribe, documentation of payments that are sufficient, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, as to enable the Secretary of the Interior to discharge the trust responsibility of the United States under subsection (d). ``(d) Trust Responsibility.-- ``(1) In general.--The United States shall not be liable for losses sustained by any party to a right-of-way granted under subsection (a).”
“``(B) Written documentation.--If the Secretary of the Interior disapproves a Tribal regulation submitted under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary of the Interior shall include with the disapproval notification under subparagraph (A)(iii) written documentation describing the basis for the disapproval. ``(C) Extension.--The Secretary of the Interior may, after consultation with the Indian tribe that submitted a Tribal regulation under paragraph (1)(A), extend the 180-day period described in subparagraph (A). ``(4) Federal environmental review.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (2) and (3), if an Indian tribe carries out a project or activity funded by a Federal agency, the Indian tribe may rely on the environmental review process of the applicable Federal agency rather than any Tribal environmental review process required under this subsection.”
“``(B) Statutory exemptions.--The Secretary of the Interior, in making an approval decision under this subsection, shall not be subject to-- ``(i) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); ``(ii) section 306108 of title 54, United States Code; or ``(iii) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). ``(3) Review process.-- ``(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Indian tribe submits a Tribal regulation to the Secretary of the Interior under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary of the Interior shall-- ``(i) review the Tribal regulation; ``(ii) approve or disapprove the Tribal regulation; and ``(iii) notify the Indian tribe that submitted the Tribal regulation of the approval or disapproval.”
“``(B) Approval.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Interior shall have the authority to approve or disapprove any Tribal regulation submitted under subparagraph (A). ``(2) Considerations for approval.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior shall approve a Tribal regulation submitted under paragraph (1)(A), if the Tribal regulation-- ``(i) is consistent with any regulations (or successor regulations) issued by the Secretary of the Interior under section 4; ``(ii) provides for an environmental review process that includes-- ``(I) the identification and evaluation of any significant impacts the proposed action may have on the environment; and ``(II) a process for ensuring-- ``(aa) that the public is informed of, and has a reasonable opportunity to comment on, any significant environmental impacts of the proposed action identified by the Indian tribe under subclause (I); and ``(bb) the Indian tribe provides a response to each relevant and substantive public comment on the significant environmental impacts identified by the Indian tribe under subclause (I) before the Indian tribe approves the right-of- way.”
“[[Page S3806]] ``(2) Authority.--A right-of-way granted under paragraph (1) shall not require the approval of the Secretary of the Interior or a grant by the Secretary of the Interior under the section 1 if the right-of-way granted under paragraph (1) is executed in accordance with a Tribal regulation approved by the Secretary of the Interior under subsection (b). ``(b) Review of Tribal Regulations.-- ``(1) Tribal regulation submission and approval.-- ``(A) Submission.--An Indian tribe seeking to grant a right-of-way under subsection (a) shall submit for approval a Tribal regulation governing the granting of rights-of-way over and across the Tribal land of the Indian tribe.”
“RIGHTS-OF-WAY FOR ALL PURPOSES ACROSS INDIAN LAND. ``(a) Rights-of-Way.--The Secretary of the Interior may''; (2) in section 2 (62 Stat. 18, chapter 45; 25 U.S.C. 324), by striking ``organized under the Act of June 18, 1934 (48 Stat. 984), as amended; the Act of May 1, 1936 (49 Stat. 1250); or the Act of June 26, 1936 (49 Stat. 1967),''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 8. TRIBAL GRANTS OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY. ``(a) Rights-of-Way.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), an Indian tribe may grant a right-of-way over and across the Tribal land of the Indian tribe for any purpose.”
“``(a) Authorized Purposes; Term; Approval by Secretary.-- Any''; and (3) in subsection (h)(1)-- (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``and the term of the lease does not exceed--'' and inserting a period; and (B) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B). (b) Technical Correction.--Section 2 of the Act of August 9, 1955 (69 Stat. 539, chapter 615; 25 U.S.C. 415a) (commonly known as the ``Long-Term Leasing Act''), is amended by inserting ``of the Interior'' after ``Secretary'' each place it appears. (c) Modifications of Rights-of-Way Across Indian Land.--The Act of February 5, 1948 (62 Stat. 17, chapter 45), is amended-- (1) in the first section (62 Stat. 17, chapter 45; 25 U.S.C. 323), by striking ``That the Secretary of the Interior be, and he is hereby, empowered to'' and inserting the following: ``SECTION 1.”
“415) (commonly known as the ``Long-Term Leasing Act''), is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), in the second sentence, by inserting ``, land held in trust for any other Indian tribe, band, pueblo, village, community, component hand, or component reservation individually included (including parenthetically) on the most recent list published by the Secretary pursuant to section 104(a) of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5131(a))'' after ``Chehalis Reservation''; (2) by striking ``That (a) any'' and inserting the following: ``SECTION 1. LEASES OF TRUST OR RESTRICTED LANDS.”
“4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end, add the following: DIVISION E--INDIAN AFFAIRS TITLE I--UNLOCKING NATIVE LANDS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMERCE AND KEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS ACT OF 2026 SEC. 5101. MODIFICATION OF TRIBAL LEASES AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY ACROSS INDIAN LAND. (a) Leases of Trust or Restricted Lands.--The first section of the Act of August 9, 1955 (69 Stat. 539, chapter 615; 25 U.S.C.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3805-S3819] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6612. Mr. SCHATZ (for Ms. Murkowski (for herself and Mr. Schatz)) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by Mr. Schatz to the bill S.”
“The problem was never that the Kennedy Center was too woke. The problem was never that gas was too cheap. No one woke up thinking ``Gee, I wish we were involved in more wars'' or ``Man, I really ought to be throwing bigger parties for the President's 80th birthday.'' No one asked for this. I want to be clear. No one asked for this--not the people who elected Donald Trump the second time, not the people who voted against Donald Trump the second time. No one asked for this. No one wants this. But we do have a President who is at the end of his political career, and with nothing to lose electorally, all he can think about is himself and his legacy--not you. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.”
“``I don't think about Americans' financial situation.'' This is not making a partisan accusation; those are his words. People all across the country are eating less and driving less and saving less and seeing the doctor less because of his actions--wars, tariffs, tax cuts for billionaires paid for by cutting working people's healthcare--and yet all he can think about is where his next military adventure might be or what new monument he can build for himself. It is not hard to imagine a focused and energetic President who exerts their authority to make people's lives better, easier, more affordable, more fulfilling. And in the past, even when we didn't agree with the President from the other party on solutions, at least we agreed on the problems; at least we agreed on what a Presidency was for--but not this President.”
“But that is not the point. This is a President who is so thoroughly distracted with his own personal pet projects that he has no time to do anything to lower prices and fix people's actual problems. It is not that these are events that have overtaken his agenda--this is his agenda. These are his initiatives that he came up with that he is excited about. It is plainly obvious that Donald Trump is distracted with things that have nothing to do with regular people's lives, but you don't have to take my word for it. Last week, after inflation reached the highest level in 3 years, he said: I love the inflation. After a few weeks, as a war of his own making was ravaging people's paychecks, he said: I don't think about Americans' financial situation.”
“Mr. President, $600 million to build a ballroom at the White House, $100 million to build a triumphal arch, $250 million to renovate the Kennedy Center, $60 million to host a UFC fight on the south lawn of the White House--these are the things Donald Trump is putting his time and energy into right now, along with a whole lot of taxpayer money. Meanwhile, gas is more than 4 bucks a gallon nationally and $5.58 in Hawaii, grocery prices keep going up, electricity bills are through the roof, millions of Americans don't have health insurance at all this year, and rents and mortgages are almost impossible to keep up with. This is not a question of whether you like sports or monuments. I like sports. I like UFC. I think the Capital City of the most powerful Nation in the history of the world should be beautiful and modern and vibrant.”
“Chef Magbitang, who was born and raised in the Philippines and now lives in Waimea on the Big Island, paid tribute to her roots, sharing her take on classic Filipino dishes that she grew up eating. Meanwhile, Chef Wong completed 24 challenges in 24 hours, winning with an ahi tuna dish prepared in a French-Japanese fusion style. Chef Wong's restaurant, Papa'aina at the Pioneer Inn in Lahaina, was destroyed in the fires 3 years ago, but her cooking, infused all over with local ingredients and produce, lives on at Koko Head Cafe on O'ahu. We are so lucky to have her and Chef Magbitang and so many other outstanding chefs who make Hawaii, Hawaii. Congratulations on your wins. You have made Hawaii proud.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2925] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] Tribute to Rhoda Magbitang and Lee Anne Wong Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, I join everyone in Hawaii in congratulating chefs Rhoda Magbitang and Lee Anne Wong on their recent wins on ``Top Chef'' and ``Last Chef Standing.'' Both chefs displayed incredible skill and perseverance in their respective competitions and showcased what makes Hawaii's food scene so special, with our unique blend of cultures and cuisines. I continue to think Hawaii is among the best eating places on the planet. I am so proud of both of them.”
“Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Hawaii.”
“Without objection, it is so ordered. Mrs. BRITT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the previously scheduled rollcall vote begin immediately. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.”
“No one woke up thinking ``Gee, I wish we were involved in more wars'' or ``Man, I really ought to be throwing bigger parties for the President's 80th birthday.'' No one asked for this. I want to be clear. No one asked for this--not the people who elected Donald Trump the second time, not the people who voted against Donald Trump the second time. No one asked for this. No one wants this. But we do have a President who is at the end of his political career, and with nothing to lose electorally, all he can think about is himself and his legacy--not you. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mrs. BRITT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER.”
“People all across the country are eating less and driving less and saving less and seeing the doctor less because of his actions--wars, tariffs, tax cuts for billionaires paid for by cutting working people's healthcare--and yet all he can think about is where his next military adventure might be or what new monument he can build for himself. It is not hard to imagine a focused and energetic President who exerts their authority to make people's lives better, easier, more affordable, more fulfilling. And in the past, even when we didn't agree with the President from the other party on solutions, at least we agreed on the problems; at least we agreed on what a Presidency was for--but not this President. The problem was never that the Kennedy Center was too woke. The problem was never that gas was too cheap.”
“It is plainly obvious that Donald Trump is distracted with things that have nothing to do with regular people's lives, but you don't have to take my word for it. Last week, after inflation reached the highest level in 3 years, he said: I love the inflation. After a few weeks, as a war of his own making was ravaging people's paychecks, he said: I don't think about Americans' financial situation. ``I don't think about Americans' financial situation.'' This is not making a partisan accusation; those are his words.”
“Meanwhile, gas is more than 4 bucks a gallon nationally and $5.58 in Hawaii, grocery prices keep going up, electricity bills are through the roof, millions of Americans don't have health insurance at all this year, and rents and mortgages are almost impossible to keep up with. This is not a question of whether you like sports or monuments. I like sports. I like UFC. I think the Capital City of the most powerful Nation in the history of the world should be beautiful and modern and vibrant. But that is not the point. This is a President who is so thoroughly distracted with his own personal pet projects that he has no time to do anything to lower prices and fix people's actual problems. It is not that these are events that have overtaken his agenda--this is his agenda. These are his initiatives that he came up with that he is excited about.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2925] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] Trump Administration Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, $600 million to build a ballroom at the White House, $100 million to build a triumphal arch, $250 million to renovate the Kennedy Center, $60 million to host a UFC fight on the south lawn of the White House--these are the things Donald Trump is putting his time and energy into right now, along with a whole lot of taxpayer money.”
“Chef Magbitang, who was born and raised in the Philippines and now lives in Waimea on the Big Island, paid tribute to her roots, sharing her take on classic Filipino dishes that she grew up eating. Meanwhile, Chef Wong completed 24 challenges in 24 hours, winning with an ahi tuna dish prepared in a French-Japanese fusion style. Chef Wong's restaurant, Papa'aina at the Pioneer Inn in Lahaina, was destroyed in the fires 3 years ago, but her cooking, infused all over with local ingredients and produce, lives on at Koko Head Cafe on O'ahu. We are so lucky to have her and Chef Magbitang and so many other outstanding chefs who make Hawaii, Hawaii. Congratulations on your wins. You have made Hawaii proud.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2925] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] Tribute to Rhoda Magbitang and Lee Anne Wong Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, I join everyone in Hawaii in congratulating chefs Rhoda Magbitang and Lee Anne Wong on their recent wins on ``Top Chef'' and ``Last Chef Standing.'' Both chefs displayed incredible skill and perseverance in their respective competitions and showcased what makes Hawaii's food scene so special, with our unique blend of cultures and cuisines. I continue to think Hawaii is among the best eating places on the planet. I am so proud of both of them.”
“You cast a ballot, and he becomes the President of the United States. It went very badly. This is the worst 100 days of a Presidency in American history. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Maryland.”
“For some, it was the price of everything. For some, it was Biden's being too old. A lot of people had a lot of reasons, and I am not here to judge. A good buddy of mine, a former Governor of Hawaii, used to say: You know, people vote for you for their reasons, not yours. So I am not here to try to be vindicated. I am saying, for even those people who voted for him, all of the reasons that you voted for him, unless you were enthused about corruption, unless you were enthused about lawbreaking, unless you really hated Medicaid, unless you really wanted veterans to be laid off, unless you really wanted our standing in the world to be diminished by massive proportions in a super short period of time--unless you love that stuff, it is OK to say: This guy is not working out. He doesn't own your vote. He doesn't own your support.”