Brian Schatz in 2022 HI Senate race
On Budget & Economy:
Got earmark to fix highway threatened by climate change
Consider the Honoapiilani Highway in West Maui, which is threatened by sea level rise. Schatz helped secure a $23 million earmark that will be used to help realign the highway before it falls into the ocean. "We're going to have to
deal with climate change and it's not just about dealing with the root cause," Schatz said. "This was the first big project that wasn't just a pie in the sky sort of academic exercise, but our first real climate adaptation."
Source: Honolulu Civil Beat on 2022 Hawaii Senate race
Jul 27, 2022
On Government Reform:
I support ending or reforming the filibuster
I support ending or reforming the filibuster. The filibuster is not part of our Constitution, originated mostly by accident, and has historically been used to block civil rights.
Democrats and Republicans working together to reach a compromise is important, but that isn't possible when the filibuster is abused as it's been by Republicans.
Source: Honolulu Civil Beat on 2022 Hawaii Senate race
Jun 22, 2022
On Gun Control:
Ban assault weapons, for universal background checks
Americans are demanding we take action on gun violence, and I've pushed for reforms since joining the Senate. I support banning military-style assault weapons and establishing universal background checks. I fought to demilitarize police forces by
reforming the program that allows for the transfer of military equipment from the Department of Defense to state and local police, and introduced legislation to prevent youth suicide, which includes measures to keep guns out of the hands of our kids.
Source: Honolulu Civil Beat on 2022 Hawaii Senate race
Jun 22, 2022
On Homeland Security:
Military only viable here if it has community support
While Hawaii's location is important strategically and the military protects our state from threats abroad and supports our local economy, the U.S. military is only viable in our state if it has community support.
That means it has to respect the people of our state, our environment and our culture.
Source: Honolulu Civil Beat on 2022 Hawaii Senate race
Jun 22, 2022
On Social Security:
Make sure everyone pays into the system equally
By 2040, the number of Hawaii seniors is expected to grow and make up more than 20% of the population. Our seniors deserve to retire with the benefits they have earned. Expanding and enhancing Social Security benefits has been a priority for me
since arriving in the Senate. Last year, I reintroduced the SAFE Social Security Act, which would increase benefits and make sure everyone pays into the system equally.
Source: Honolulu Civil Beat on 2022 Hawaii Senate race
Jun 22, 2022
On Principles & Values:
Democracy is still threatened one year after Jan. 6th
Senator Brian Schatz commemorated the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and the continued threats to American democracy. "A year ago, there was an attempted overthrow of American democracy right here in this building. We came perilously close to
losing everything that night. Police officers were maimed and killed. Custodial workers and Senate staffers were hiding, with zero protection," said Senator Schatz. "One year later, and I'm even more worried now. Donald Trump is now defining fealty to
him by one thing and one thing only--are you willing to install him into power regardless of the vote count? And so now every Republican politician and election official have to promise to put Trump above democracy itself. And they are doing it!"
Schatz continued, "If we take a moment and we realize what's at stake, we will realize what is required. It will require citizens to understand that democracy in this country is not what we have, it is what we do, and it is never, ever guaranteed."
Source: Senate press release on 2022 Hawaii Senate race
Jan 4, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 14, 2023