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Poll: Eric Shinseki Blamed for VA Woes

Politico has this story. Excerpt:

More Americans blame Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki than anyone else for the problems with patient care, a new poll says.

According to a new CBS News poll, 33 percent of Americans said the secretary is most to blame for the VA scandal, while 28 percent put the fault on local VA hospitals and 17 percent primarily blame President Barack Obama.

The poll comes after the president met with his secretary and publicly addressed the scandal at the White House on Wednesday morning. Obama called reports that 40 veterans may have died waiting for health care in the Phoenix VA system “disgraceful” and vowed to get to the bottom of the problem. …

Read Civil Beat’s Hawaii Lawmakers Speak Out on Shinseki and VA Medical Care Debacle.

Photo: Sec. Eric Shinseki, March 2011. (AFGE)

—Chad Blair

US House Votes to Limit NSA Spying, Hawaii Reps Say 'Nay'

The Hill has this story. Excerpt:

The House on Thursday passed the most sweeping changes to the country’s intelligence operations in over a decade, voting to limit the National Security Agency’s ability to snoop on communications.

The USA Freedom Act, which passed 303-121, had run into opposition from some of the NSA’s biggest critics, who warned that the legislation had been gutted in recent weeks. Fifty-one Republicans and 70 Democrats voted against the bill. …

U.S. Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard were in the minority.

“While I was happy to be a cosponsor of the original version of the USA Freedom Act, I could not vote for this twice watered-down version of the bill,” Hanabusa said in a press release. “Though the original legislation intended to end sweeping surveillance programs, this version leaves open the opportunity to continue mass surveillance of Americans on a smaller scale.”

“The USA FREEDOM Act I voted against today is a far cry from the legislation I co-sponsored, and does not rein in the bulk collection of our personal information — in fact, it does the opposite,” Gabbard said in a press release. “While proponents claim the bill does end some bulk collection, the fact is that it still allows the government to obtain innocent Americans’ personal data, to include phone and email data.”

The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate.

Photo: U.S. Capitol. (Sean Hayford O’Leary)

—Chad Blair

How Does Hawaii Rank in Electing Female Governors, Senators?

FiveThirtyEight has this story on how only 11 states have ever elected a female governor or senator.

Hawaii has elected one each — Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono, respectively.

There are 14 states, the report states, that have never elected a woman to serve as a U.S. senator or governor.

Photo: Map. (FiveThirtyEight)

—Chad Blair

Hanabusa Co-Sponsored Resolution on Nigeria Kidnappings Passes

The U.S. House of Representatives today approved by voice vote a resolution that condemns the abduction of female students in Nigeria by Boko Haram.

House Resolution 573 was introduced by Frederica Wilson (D-FL) and had 16 original co-sponsors including Colleen Hanabusa.

“These young women were kidnapped because they wanted to get an education,” Hanabusa said in a press release. “The ability to improve one’s life through education is a basic human right that must be protected around the world. In particular, women who work to obtain an education should not have to live in fear, and it is an offense against human dignity that they would be made hostages to ignorance.”

The resolution calls on President Barack Obama to provide to Congress a “comprehensive strategy to counter the growing threat of terrorism perpetrated by groups in West Africa, the Sahel and North Africa that are affiliated and associated with al-Qaida.”

Photo: UH West Oahu Campus grand opening, August 2012. (U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa)

—Chad Blair

Social Security, Marriage Equality Bill Co-Sponsored by Schatz

U.S. Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Mark Udall (D- Colo.) have introduced the Social Security and Marriage Equality (SAME) Act of 2014 to “make sure all legal marriages are treated equally by the Social Security Administration.”

The bill “would ensure that same-sex spouses receive the same spousal benefits afforded to married, heterosexual couples,” according to a press release from the office of Sen. Brian Schatz, who is one of the bill’s five co-sponsors.

“Social Security is a vital lifeline for so many seniors and our bill will make sure that everyone is treated equally, providing Social Security spousal benefits to those legally eligible, regardless of who they love and where they live,” said Schatz.

Photo: Sen Brian Schatz at the CNHA Convention, September 2013. (Sen. Brian Schatz)

—Chad Blair

Reps. Gabbard, Stewart Introduce Veterans TRICARE Choice Act

Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Chris Stewart (R-Utah), both veterans, have introduced the Veterans TRICARE Choice Act of 2014, H.R. 4682.

According to Gabbard’s office, the bill would provide TRICARE-eligible veterans the ability to contribute to a Health Savings Account program to help pay for medical costs and save for future medical expenses.

"TRICARE-eligible veterans who have served their country honorably are denied access to other health plans unless they permanently opt out of TRICARE," Gabbard said in a press release. "This outdated policy does not serve our veterans or their families, who have sacrificed greatly."

Photo: Reps. Chris Stewart and Tulsi Gabbard, May 20, 2014. (Rep. Tulsi Gabbard)

—Chad Blair

National Museum of the American Indian Honors Inouye In D.C.

A blog for The Hill has this report. Excerpt:

The National Museum of the American Indian is paying tribute to the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, a proud Pacific Islander who served as one of the founding directors for the interactive exhibition hall, as part of its “Living Aloha” festival.

Just don’t expect too big of a production if you visit.

Upon entering the funky, four-story structure, patrons are handed a snazzy brochure retracing the steps of the iconic Hawaii Democrat through the years. …

An all-day symposium at the museum honoring Inouye was held last week.

Photo: Dan Inouye. (National Museum of the American Indian)

—Chad Blair

Bob Dole Defends Eric Shinseki

Politico has this story. Excerpt:

Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole called for a “shakeup” at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Monday, but defended Secretary Eric Shinseki’s leadership at the agency amid reports that VA hospitals have concealed months-long wait lists for veterans seeking care.

Dole, who was the last World War II veteran to be nominated for the presidency in 1996, said in an interview that he “feels strongly that there needs to be a shakeup in the VA.” He declined to join other Republicans who have called on Shinseki, a retired four-star general, to resign.

“He’s a decorated war veteran. He understands veterans. He’s dealt with thousands of servicemen. I think if he moves quickly and firmly against those in the field who caused the problems, he’ll be all right,” Dole said in a conversation at his law office in downtown Washington. …

Photo: Bob Dole in 2011. (Washington Oxi Day)

—Chad Blair

Comic Book Bio of Edward Snowden Planned

Bluewater Productions says it plans to release a new comic book biography of former NSA employee Edward Snowden.

The Beverley Hills-based multimedia company has previously produced comics on William Shatner and Vincent Price.

"Edward Snowden has been called a whistleblower, a hero, a traitor, a criminal … but who is he really?” reads a press release. “In Beyond: Edward Snowden, Bluewater takes a look at the man behind the headlines, searching for what might have motivated him to commit one of the biggest leaks of classified information in U.S. history.”

The Snowden comic will be released on May 21 and be available in both print and digital formats. Can’t wait to see how they’ll depict the Hawaii years!

—Chad Blair

Senate Run May Challenge Hanabusa's Perfect House Attendance

The Hill has this article on members of the U.S. House of Representatives who may miss votes because they are running for the Senate.

They include Colleen Hanabusa.Excerpt:

Hanabusa said she might not be able to keep her perfect attendance record when her primary with Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) comes around in August. “I am certain, given the efficiency of my staff on both sides [House and campaign], what they may start to do is [to] look at the votes to make sure the votes that are important to Hawaii are not missed,” Hanabusa said.

Photo: U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in a “Pink Gloves” video with women supporters of her 2014 U.S. Senate campaign. (Hanabusa Campaign)

—Chad Blair

India's New Leader Gets Call From Hawaii Congresswoman

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard released this statement following the results of the Indian election that concluded earlier this week:

I recently spoke with Narendra Modi by phone and congratulated him and the Bharatiya Janata party for winning a majority vote in India’s Lok Sabha. This election was an extraordinary achievement for the 550 million Indians who voted over the course of six weeks in some 930,000 polling locations.

I look forward to working with Mr. Modi and other members of the Indian government toward our mutual goals of peace, stability, and economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region. A partnership between the world’s two largest and greatest democracies is necessary for us to successfully address the many global challenges we face, including economic growth, bilateral trade, the environment, terrorism, and security.

Gabbard is the first Hindu American to serve in the U.S. Congress.

Photo: Narendra Modi at a BJP rally. (Al Jazeera English)

—Chad Blair

Hawaii GOP Holding Party Convention Today in Kaneohe

Hundreds of Hawaii Republicans from across the state will gather at the Koolau Ballrooms and Conference Center in Kaneohe today.

The theme of this year’s party convention is “Back to Basics.” It’s the party’s first major event since former U.S. Rep. Pat Saiki assumed the party chairmanship in March.

Gubernatorial candidate Duke Aiona and congressional candidate Charles Djou are expected to address delegates.

“Party leaders and I have wasted no time in refocusing our membership on our organization’s main goal — electing Republicans to office,” Saiki said in a press release. “The only way we can accomplish this goal is to energize our base, register more Republicans, and turn them out on Election Day.”

Photo: Linda Lingle and Charles Djou, top center, at Hawaii GOP convention, Hilton Hawaiian Village, May 12, 2012. (Civil Beat)

—Chad Blair

Schatz Among Senators Calling for Protection of At-Profit College Students

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz has signed a letter with several colleagues urging the U.S. Department of Education to put in place stronger protections for students in career education programs — “particularly those at for-profit colleges who take on significant debt to attend but are frequently left with meager job prospects.”

The letter is signed by Schatz and Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sens. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.).

“In Hawaii, just 2 percent of students at nonprofit schools default on their student loans, but at for-profits, students’ default rate jumps up to 24 percent,” Schatz said in a press release. “This has become a national scandal, wasting millions of federal dollars. It is not a radical proposal to ask for some accountability.”

Photo: Sen. Brian Schatz with students and a group called Young Invincibles, May 15. (Sen. Brian Schatz)

—Chad Blair

Sen. Hee Gets Convention Speaking Role, But 6 CD1 Candidates Shut Out

State Sen. Clayton Hee, who entered the race for Hawaii lieutenant governor Sunday, will have a speaking role at the Democratic Party of Hawaii's state convention over Memorial Day Weekend.

That has upset some party officials, who wonder why Hee gets to speak but six Democrats running for the 1st Congressional District will not be allowed to address delegates at the Sheraton Waikiki.

A draft agenda of the two-day convention lists Hee as a speaker on May 25 along with another state senator, David Ige, who is challenging Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Ige was initially not scheduled to speak but has since been given a spot after complaints about fairness were made.

The party’s rationale for convention speakers is said to be based on what offices they hold: That is why Abercrombie, Hee’s opponent Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, Senate President Donna Mercado Kim and the four members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation are among the featured speakers. Kim is running for the CD1 seat.

The party has extended invitations to a “Meet and Greet” luncheon reception “for all Democrat candidates,” which will be held May 24 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel next to the Sheraton. Each will be allotted three minutes to speak at the hotel’s Coconut Grove garden oasis.

Photo: Campaign signs for Clayton Hee. (Civil Beat)

—Chad Blair

Hirono Proposes National Guard Leadership Act

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono has introduced the National Guard Leadership Act, legislation to provide the chief of the National Guard Bureau “with greater input” into the selection of senior leadership for the Army National Guard and Air National Guard.

According to Hirono’s office, the NGB’s internal recommendation process “is fluid and not governed by law or regulation. As a result, the input of the Chief of the NGB may or may not be sought.”

“From counterterrorism missions to providing relief following natural disasters like Hurricane Iniki, it has been a privilege to see firsthand what the Hawaii National Guard and Air National Guard accomplish for our communities,” Hirono said in a press release.

Photo: Sen. Mazie Hirono, center, greets men and women of the Hawaii Air National Guard during a tour last summer of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. (Sen. Mazie Hirono)

—Chad Blair

Reps. Gabbard, Schock Introduce Immigration Bill Plan

U.S. Reps. Aaron Schock (R-IL) and Tulsi Gabbard have introduced legislation that permanently extends “the popular EB-5 visa program" for immigrant investors and eliminates the current program’s "outdated country caps," according to Gabbard’s office.

The bill, H.R. 4659, has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for action.

"By introducing this bill, we can leverage funds and capital from overseas in our communities by encouraging foreign investors to create and support jobs in every sector of our economy, particularly in rural areas or those with high unemployment,” Gabbard said in a press release. “Between 2005-2013, for example, $6.5 billion was invested in projects around the country, supporting 131,000 American jobs. In Hawai‘i, our business owners and job-seekers have the potential to benefit greatly from our proximity to investors in the Asia-Pacific region who want to expand to the U.S. market.”

Gabbard’s office says that Hawaii projects that have benefitted from EB-5 investments the UH West Oahu campus and the Hawaii DOT consolidated rental car facility project at Honolulu International Airport.

Photo: Screen shot of Reps. Aaron Schock and Tulsi Gabbard on “Morning Joe.” (YouTube)

—Chad Blair

US Senate GOP Blocks Progress on $85B Tax Package

Hawaii U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz were on the losing end of a 53-40 vote today on an $85 billion tax package.

Sixty votes were required to move forward on the legislation.

"The Senate failed to end debate on the tax package authored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.),” according to this report in The Hill. “Other Republicans blocked the measure, even though many support the slew of expired tax breaks, out of frustration with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who they say is preventing the minority party from offering amendments to the bill.”

Photo: The Jefferson Memorial. (Ron Cogswell)

—Chad Blair

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