April 12, 2017

Aloha,

I'm deeply disappointed and concerned by the Republicans' decision to change the rules of the Senate instead of finding a Supreme Court nominee who could gain bipartisan support.  The Senate rules exist to encourage bipartisanship, deliberation, and compromise.  Now that they have successfully put one of those rules on the chopping block, we will have more difficulty achieving those purposes.

Last week, the Senate Commerce Committee passed the the MAIN STREET Cybersecurity Act, legislation I introduced with Senators Risch, Thune, Cantwell, and Nelson, to provide resources for small business to protect themselves from cybersecurity threats.  Small businesses are particularly prone to cyberattacks, and 60 percent of these businesses are forced to close following one.  I look forward to bringing this bill to the full Senate, knowing that helping small businesses is something we can all support.

Chairman Moran and I also hosted a field hearing for the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee.  The hearing examined current operations at Arlington National Cemetery and future plans to honor the fallen.  While there, I was able to pay my respects at the grave of Ellison Onizuka.

As always, please contact my office in D.C. or Hawai‘i if there is anything we can do.  We are here to help.

Mahalo,

Brian Schatz

United States Senator

Protecting Small Businesses

Senator Schatz, along with several colleagues, introduced the Making Available Information Now to Strengthen Trust and Resilience and Enhance Enterprise Technology (MAIN STREET) Cybersecurity Act. This legislation, passed by the Senate Commerce Committee last week, will provide a consistent set of resources for small businesses to best protect their digital assets from cybersecurity threats. 

Small businesses are a pillar of the American economy and make up more than half of all jobs in the United States, but these businesses have also become a major target for cyberattacks. These attacks can be so harmful to revenues that the National Cybersecurity Alliance has found that 60 percent of these small businesses are forced to close following an attack.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but unfortunately that’s exactly what makes them a prime target for hackers. These cyberattacks not only leave American consumers exposed, they can be so harmful to businesses that recovering from an attack can oftentimes force them out of business,” said Senator Schatz. “The MAIN STREET Cybersecurity Act will give small businesses the tools to firm up their cybersecurity infrastructure and fight online attacks.”                                 

Senator Schatz was joined by Senators Risch (R-Idaho), Thune (R-S.D.), Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Nelson (D-Fla.) in introducing this legislation.

Speaking Out Against Extremism

Senator Schatz spoke against the confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court of the United States and on the importance of upholding Senate traditions. 

To watch the full video, click here.  Senator Schatz speaks at 17:10.

To watch Senator Schatz’s full remarks on the Senate floor, click here.

Improving Weather Forecasting

The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 was passed by both the House and Senate last week. This bill includes seasonal forecasting, forecast communication, and other proposals first put forward by Senators Thune and Schatz. 
  
“Better weather forecasts and better warnings will save lives and livelihood,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill strengthens the science to forecast severe heat and cold, storms, tornadoes, tsunamis, and hurricanes, helping us make our warnings more timely and accurate.  It also improves how the government communicates these threats to the public, so that families and businesses can be prepared and stay safe.”

Honoring Our Veterans at Arlington

Senator Schatz and Senator Jerry Moran (R - Kan.) hosted a field hearing of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee at Arlington National Cemetery.  The hearing examined current operations and discussed future plans to continue to honor the fallen.

Senator Schatz visiting the grave of Col. Ellison Onizuka, USAF.  Hawai‘i’s first astronaut, Col. Onizuka died during the Challenger Mission in 1986.

Bringing the Aloha Spirit to Washington

Senator Schatz with Awapuhi Lee, the Hawai‘i State Society of Washington, D.C.’s 2017 Cherry Blossom Princess.

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