Senators Comment on Trump Budget Proposal

U.S. Sens. Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz released comments regarding President Donald Trump’s budget proposal.

Sen. Hirono released the following statement:

“The President’s budget proposal—his first blueprint for our country’s future—is short on real details, but it’s clear that supporting strong local economies, building vibrant communities or protecting the most vulnerable are not among his priorities.

“The president would completely eliminate programs that support Hawai‘i’s affordable housing efforts, clean energy investment, and opportunity for educational advancement and community service. It would end the Essential Air Service program that serves as a lifeline to Kalaupapa, Moloka‘i, eliminates the TIGER grant program, which funded improvements to Saddle Road on Hawai‘i Island and Pier 29 on O‘ahu, and would threaten the Impact Aid program that ensures that every student in Hawai‘i’s public schools receives a quality education.

“In addition, under this plan, cuts to agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, and Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, Housing and Urban Development, and Commerce will seriously undermine protections for clean air and water, public health, worker safety and our economy.

“Altogether, this budget says one thing—If you’re rich and powerful, you’ll be fine. Everyone else is left out to dry. Those aren’t Hawai‘i’s values and they certainly aren’t mine. I will fight against these nonsensical and harmful cuts.”

Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement:

“The president’s budget proposal is simply that—a proposal. It’s not going to happen. If enacted, President Trump’s proposed budget cuts would have a terrible impact on Hawai‘i, but Congress holds the purse strings, not the president. We will not cede that responsibility and as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will fight to make sure we protect federal funding for Hawai‘i.”