Sen. Schatz Updates: Leadership, Affordable Care and Youth Service Academies

File photo courtesy: Office of US Sen. Brian Schatz.

US Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaiʻi has been named the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.

As a member of this subcommittee last Congress, he was able to help steer more than $640 million for military construction projects across the state.

In his new role as the lead Democrat, Sen. Schatz said he is “committed to making the appropriate investments to ensure our military’s readiness while deployed and that we have the resources to take care of them when they return.”

“I will work to ensure the VA has the funding it needs to fulfill our obligation to continue to improve and expand access to quality and timely care to all veterans and their families, including those suffering from the physical and psychological wounds of war,” said Sen. Schatz.

Sen. Schatz has also discussed efforts to protect the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid. “We need to ensure every American has the opportunity to get the quality, affordable health care they deserve,” he said.

“We have a choice in front of us: Do we build on the progress of the Affordable Care Act or do we strip millions of Americans of their health care coverage, leave those with preexisting conditions out in the cold, and raise the national debt?” said Sen. Schatz.

“We all know the Affordable Care Act has its flaws. No one ever said it was perfect. But its benefits are undeniable. And that’s what we should be debating—improvements to the ACA, not an implosion,” he said.

Sen. Schatz also recently announced the names of young men and women he nominated for appointment into the US military service academies. Maui Class of 2021 Academy Nominations include: Caleb Soo Hoo of Baldwin High School; and Harlie Stone of Haleakalā Waldorf School. “These are the future leaders of our military, and I thank them for their commitment to serve,” said Sen. Schatz.

Senator Schatz with some of last year’s nominees to the US Service Academies. PC: Office of Sen. Brian Schatz.