Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
Democrat · HI · 29 bills sponsored
A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to ensure adequate staffing and resources for the Institute of Tropical Forestry and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.
# Summary of S 3851 **What the Bill Does** This bill would amend existing federal law to guarantee that two specialized forestry research institutes—the Institute of Tropical Forestry and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry—receive adequate staffing levels and funding. These institutes conduct research on forest management and conservation in tropical and Pacific Island regions. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects these two research institutes and their employees, as well as communities in Hawaii and other tropical/Pacific regions that depend on forest resources. It could also impact the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees these institutions. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. For a bill to become law, it must pass through committee review, be approved by both the Senate and House, and be signed by the President.
Improving Reporting to Prevent Hate Act of 2026
# Improving Reporting to Prevent Hate Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill, introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), aims to improve how hate crimes and hate incidents are reported and tracked across the United States. While the bill's specific details aren't fully available in this summary, the title suggests it would establish or strengthen systems for collecting and reporting data on hate-motivated crimes and incidents to help identify patterns and prevent future occurrences. **Who It Affects:** The bill would likely impact law enforcement agencies (who would report data), federal agencies that compile crime statistics, and the general public through improved transparency and awareness of hate-related incidents. Advocacy organizations focused on civil rights and community safety would also have interest in the legislation. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a floor vote in the Senate. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process and would need committee approval and broader congressional support to move forward.
Hawai‘i National Cemetery Act
# Hawai'i National Cemetery Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would establish a new national cemetery in Hawai'i. National cemeteries are federal burial grounds managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that provide burial services for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependents at no cost. Creating a national cemetery in Hawai'i would give residents of the state—particularly military service members and veterans—easier access to a federal burial option without having to travel to the mainland. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects Hawai'i residents who are veterans or military service members, along with their families who may wish to be buried there. More broadly, it impacts the Department of Veterans Affairs, which would need to establish and maintain the new facility. The state of Hawai'i would also be involved, as federal cemetery projects typically require coordination with state authorities. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S 3613) has been introduced in the Senate but remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No specific provisions or implementation details are listed in the available information.
PAAF Act
# PAAF Act Summary I don't have access to the detailed text or specifics of S. 2923 (the PAAF Act) from the 119th Congress in my current information. Without the bill's actual language or a reliable summary of its provisions, I can't accurately tell you what it would do, who it affects, or its key details. To get accurate information about this bill, I'd recommend: - **Congress.gov**: Search for "S 2923" to see the full text, summaries, and status - **Senator Hirono's website**: Often includes legislative summaries - **Congressional tracking services**: LegiScan or similar sites track bills and amendments If you can provide the bill's text or summary, I'd be happy to explain it in plain language for you.
Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act
# Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act (S 2897) aims to establish a federal program focused on protecting and maintaining the health of tropical plants, likely including efforts to combat plant diseases, pests, and other threats that damage tropical plant species. While the bill's specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, such initiatives typically involve research, monitoring, prevention strategies, and coordination between government agencies and stakeholders. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily affect Hawaii (the sponsor's state), tropical regions of the U.S., agricultural communities that grow tropical plants, and the broader farming and horticultural industries. It could also impact environmental conservation efforts and food security in areas dependent on tropical plant crops like fruits, nuts, and ornamental plants. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. This means it's still in the early stages of the legislative process and would need committee approval before advancing further. *Note: The limited details available about this bill's specific provisions mean a more detailed summary cannot be provided without access to the full text.*
Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act
# Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act Summary **What It Would Do** This bill, currently under review in the Senate, would protect Social Security benefits from being reduced. While the bill's full details aren't specified in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to prevent automatic benefit cuts that are scheduled to occur when the Social Security Trust Fund runs out of reserves (projected around 2033). They usually accomplish this by adjusting how the program is funded or structured to ensure current and future retirees continue receiving full benefits. **Who It Affects** The legislation would impact current Social Security recipients (seniors and people with disabilities) and future retirees. It could also affect working Americans through potential changes to payroll taxes or other funding mechanisms, depending on the specific provisions included in the final bill. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee, meaning it's in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. For the most current information on what specific changes this bill proposes, you would need to check Congress.gov or the bill's official text.
Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act
# Saving NOAA's Workforce Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Saving NOAA's Workforce Act aims to address staffing challenges at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a federal agency responsible for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, ocean conservation, and fisheries management. While specific details aren't provided in this summary, bills with this title typically propose measures to improve employee recruitment, retention, and working conditions at NOAA to help the agency maintain adequate staffing levels for its critical operations. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily affect NOAA employees and the agency's ability to carry out its mission. More broadly, it impacts the general public who rely on NOAA's services—including accurate weather forecasts, hurricane warnings, climate data, and ocean management. The bill could also affect related industries like fishing and maritime commerce that depend on NOAA's data and services. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S. 2633) remains in committee and has not advanced further through the legislative process. This means it is still in the early stages and would need committee approval before moving to a full Senate vote.
Saving NIST’s Workforce Act
# Saving NIST's Workforce Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to protect jobs and staffing at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a federal agency that conducts scientific research and develops technology standards. The legislation would address workforce challenges at NIST, though specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information. The bill is sponsored by Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii. **Who It Affects:** The bill would directly impact NIST employees and the agency's operations. It could also indirectly affect American businesses and industries that rely on NIST's standards and research—ranging from manufacturers to tech companies. The broader scientific community could be affected depending on how the bill addresses staffing levels and research capabilities. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S 2631) is still in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. This is an early stage in the legislative process, and the bill would need to advance through committee review, potentially be amended, and receive Senate approval before becoming law. *Note: Without access to the full bill text, this summary covers the general framework. For specific provisions and detailed policy changes, you would want to review the complete legislation on Congress.gov.*
Saving NASA’s Workforce Act
# Saving NASA's Workforce Act (S 2632) - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would protect NASA employees from sudden job losses during transitions between different space programs or missions. Specifically, it would require NASA to provide advance notice, retraining opportunities, and job placement assistance to workers whose positions are affected when the agency shifts funding or ends projects. The legislation aims to ensure that skilled NASA employees aren't simply laid off when priorities change, but instead have support to transition to other available positions within the agency or find new employment. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily impacts NASA employees and their families who work on space missions and programs. It could also indirectly affect NASA contractors and the communities that depend on NASA facilities for employment. The bill was introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), reflecting her state's interest in protecting federal workers. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been referred to the relevant congressional committee for review and discussion but has not yet been brought to a full vote in either the Senate or House. The bill has not advanced further in the legislative process.
Saving NSF’s Workforce Act
# Saving NSF's Workforce Act Summary **What It Would Do** The Saving NSF's Workforce Act would protect jobs at the National Science Foundation (NSF), a federal agency that funds scientific research across the country. While the bill's full details aren't publicly available yet, the title suggests it aims to prevent layoffs or preserve employment positions at NSF during a period when the agency may be facing budget pressures or staffing cuts. **Who It Affects** This bill would directly impact NSF employees and indirectly affect the scientific research community, universities, and research institutions that depend on NSF funding and collaboration. Scientists, graduate students, and institutions relying on NSF grants could be affected if staffing reductions would slow grant processing or reduce funding activities. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). For a bill to become law, it must pass both the Senate and House of Representatives and be signed by the President.
Time Off to Vote Act
# Time Off to Vote Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Time Off to Vote Act would require employers to give employees paid time off to vote in federal elections. Specifically, it would mandate that employers provide employees with at least two hours of paid leave during voting hours on Election Day, or allow them to vote during early voting or absentee ballot periods without penalty. The bill aims to remove work-related barriers that might prevent people from casting their ballots. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily affect private-sector employees and their employers. It would apply across most industries, though the bill may include certain exemptions for small businesses or specific situations. Federal employees may already have similar protections under existing law. **Current Status:** As of now, S 2549 is in committee and has not advanced to a floor vote. The bill was introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in the 119th Congress. For the bill to become law, it would need to pass out of committee, receive approval from the full Senate, pass the House, and be signed by the President.
My Body, My Data Act of 2025
# My Body, My Data Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The My Body, My Data Act of 2025 would establish new federal privacy protections for sensitive health and reproductive information. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, the bill's title suggests it would regulate how companies collect, use, and share personal data related to individuals' bodies and health—particularly regarding reproductive health. The bill would likely give people greater control over their medical information and restrict how that data can be used by corporations and data brokers. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would impact all Americans, particularly those seeking reproductive healthcare services. It would also affect technology companies, data brokers, health apps, and any businesses that collect or sell health-related personal information. **Current Status:** The bill (S 2029) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill would need to pass committee review, floor votes in both the Senate and House, and presidential approval to become law.
Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act of 2025
# Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill aims to provide equal benefits and treatment to Native Hawaiian veterans under federal law. Currently, Native Hawaiian veterans may face gaps in accessing certain veterans' benefits and services available to other veterans. The legislation would work to close these disparities and ensure that Native Hawaiian veterans receive the same level of support and recognition as all other U.S. military veterans. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects Native Hawaiian veterans—individuals of Native Hawaiian ancestry who served in the U.S. military. It could also impact the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies responsible for delivering veterans' benefits, as they would need to implement any changes required by the legislation. **Current Status:** As of now, S. 1853 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI). For the bill to become law, it would need to pass committee review, pass a Senate vote, pass the House, and receive the President's signature.
AG RESEARCH Act
# AG RESEARCH Act Summary The AG RESEARCH Act (S. 1825) is a bill currently being reviewed in the Senate that would support agricultural research initiatives. While specific details about the bill's exact provisions aren't provided in the information available, bills with this title typically aim to fund and expand research programs related to farming, crop development, food production, or agricultural sustainability. This legislation would primarily affect farmers, agricultural scientists, research institutions, and potentially consumers who benefit from improved crop varieties or farming practices. The bill is currently in the committee stage, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. At this stage, the measure is under review by relevant Senate committees before it can advance further in the legislative process. *Note: For a more detailed summary of specific provisions, funding amounts, and exact impacts, you may want to consult Congress.gov or contact the bill's sponsor's office, as the basic information provided here is limited.*
Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act of 2025
# Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would establish a grant program to support schools in teaching the history and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. If passed, it would provide federal funding to help develop educational materials, train teachers, and create curriculum focused on these groups' experiences and achievements in American history. The legislation aims to expand representation of these communities in K-12 education. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily benefit schools, educators, and students by making resources available to teach a more inclusive version of American history. Schools could use grants to develop lesson plans, purchase materials, or provide professional development for teachers. The funding would support schools in incorporating content about Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities into existing history classes. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S 1844) is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii. The bill would need to pass committee review, full Senate approval, House approval, and presidential signature to become law.
RTCP Revitalization Act
# RTCP Revitalization Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The RTCP Revitalization Act (S. 1758) aims to revitalize and strengthen the Regional Transmission Congestion Protocol—a system that helps manage electricity flow across power grids in certain U.S. regions. The bill would provide updated funding and authority to improve how electricity transmission congestion (bottlenecks in the power system) is addressed, potentially making the electrical grid more efficient and reliable. **Who It Affects:** This bill would impact utility companies, power grid operators, and ultimately consumers who depend on reliable electricity service. It could particularly affect regions that rely on regional transmission organizations to coordinate their power systems. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. Without more detailed legislative language available, specific funding amounts and exact mechanisms cannot be confirmed. Interested parties can track its progress through Congress.gov for updates on any amendments or votes.
Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act of 2025
# Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to reduce negative stereotypes and discrimination against people with mental health conditions. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the basic information available, bills with this title typically focus on public education campaigns, training programs, and anti-discrimination measures to improve how communities understand and treat individuals experiencing mental illness. **Who It Affects** The legislation would primarily benefit people with mental health conditions and their families by working to reduce social stigma that often prevents people from seeking treatment. It could also affect healthcare providers, employers, schools, and community organizations involved in mental health awareness and services. **Current Status** The bill (S 1689) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. For detailed information about specific provisions, you would need to review the full text on Congress.gov.
Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act
# Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act would direct federal agencies—particularly the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—to study and address disparities in mental health care and outcomes among different racial and ethnic groups. The bill would require government research into why certain communities have unequal access to mental health services and worse treatment outcomes, and would fund efforts to improve mental health education and prevention programs in underserved communities. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects minority communities and underrepresented groups that currently experience gaps in mental health care access. It also impacts healthcare providers, medical schools, and federal health agencies that would be involved in conducting research and implementing new programs. The bill is designed to help ensure that mental health resources and quality care reach all communities more equally. **Current Status:** As of now, S 1448 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and addresses mental health equity through research, oversight, and funding initiatives.
Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2025
# Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to increase participation of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically include funding for educational programs, scholarships, mentorship initiatives, and research grants designed to support students and professionals from groups historically underrepresented in STEM careers. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily benefit women and minority students and professionals pursuing STEM careers. It would also affect educational institutions, research organizations, and potentially employers who participate in or receive funding through related programs. Indirectly, it could impact the broader STEM workforce and industries relying on talent development. **Current Status** As of now, S 1534 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI). For complete details on specific provisions, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.
Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025
# Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill, currently in committee, would expand collective bargaining rights for federal employees. While the full legislative text isn't available in the information provided, the title suggests it would give federal workers greater freedom to negotiate employment terms—potentially wages, benefits, working conditions, and other job-related matters—through unions or employee groups. **Who It Affects:** The primary beneficiaries would be federal government employees, as well as any unions representing them. The bill could indirectly affect federal agencies' operations and budgets, and potentially taxpayers who fund federal operations. **Current Status:** S 1352 is currently in committee consideration in the 119th Congress, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill was introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI). For a complete understanding of specific provisions and protections the bill would create, the full text would need to be reviewed, as those details are not included in this summary.
Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025
# Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would require the federal government to provide free legal representation to immigrants involved in removal (deportation) proceedings. It specifically mandates that unaccompanied children must have a government-paid lawyer at every stage of their immigration case, unless they hire their own attorney. The bill also ensures that immigrants receive copies of their immigration files and sets protections preventing deportation if the government fails to provide required legal counsel. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects unaccompanied immigrant children and other non-U.S. nationals facing deportation proceedings. Currently, immigrants in removal cases are not guaranteed free legal representation—many represent themselves or rely on nonprofit organizations. This bill would shift that responsibility to the government, affecting the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill has not advanced further in the legislative process.
Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act
# Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act (S 1275) would modify how the federal government provides financial assistance to schools in areas affected by federal land or military installations. Impact Aid is an existing federal program that compensates school districts for tax revenue they lose because federal property (like military bases or national parks) within their boundaries cannot be taxed. This bill would likely enhance or restructure how those funds are distributed or used, particularly for infrastructure improvements, though specific details aren't publicly detailed in the current summary. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects school districts located near military bases, Native American reservations, national parks, and other federal properties. It also impacts students in these districts, who depend on adequate school funding and facilities. The changes would influence how federal dollars flow to these communities to support educational infrastructure. **Current Status:** S 1275 is currently in committee as of the 119th Congress, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI).
Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act of 2025
# Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would change how the Veterans Affairs (VA) handles situations where a fiduciary—someone appointed to manage a veteran's benefits—misuses or steals those benefits. Currently, when fraud occurs, the process for reissuing the stolen benefits to veterans can be slow and complicated. This bill would require the VA to establish clear timelines and procedures for determining whether the VA itself was negligent in overseeing the fiduciary. Most importantly, it would prevent the VA from delaying benefit reimbursement while investigating whether the agency made mistakes—meaning veterans would get their money back faster. **Who It Affects:** This primarily affects veterans whose benefits have been misused by court-appointed fiduciaries, as well as their surviving family members. If a veteran dies while waiting for reimbursement, the bill ensures surviving beneficiaries receive the owed amount through standard VA death benefit procedures. **Key Provisions:** The bill requires the VA to set specific methods and timeframes for negligence determinations, stops the VA from withholding reimbursements during investigations, and clarifies that the VA doesn't need to investigate its own negligence for every individual instance of misuse. These changes aim to streamline the process and get money back to veterans more quickly. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by Congress.
Keep Americans Safe Act
# Keep Americans Safe Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Keep Americans Safe Act would make it illegal to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess large capacity ammunition feeding devices (high-capacity magazines that hold many rounds of ammunition). The bill would require newly manufactured magazines to have serial numbers and manufacturing dates. It would allow people who currently own these magazines to keep them, but they couldn't sell or transfer them to others. The bill includes exceptions for law enforcement, military, security personnel, and authorized testing purposes. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily affect gun owners, ammunition manufacturers and retailers, and gun dealers. It would also impact law enforcement agencies and states/local governments, which could use federal grant money to run "buy-back" programs where citizens voluntarily surrender high-capacity magazines in exchange for compensation. Retired law enforcement officers would be exempt from the restrictions. **Current Status:** The bill (S 803) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill focuses specifically on the ammunition feeding devices themselves, not on guns or other firearms regulations.