September 6, 2024

Hawaii Field Hearing

Chairman Sessions at a hearing in Lahaina, HI

As chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, I am committed to ensuring the government works for all Americans. This week, I was in Hawaii on official business to hold a hearing entitled “Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires.” This was to oversee federal recovery efforts in Lahaina, HI following last August’s devastating wildfires that claimed 102 lives. This hearing was an opportunity for me and other Members of Congress to hear from federal agencies as well as state and local leaders to identify issues and further improve recovery efforts. At the hearing, we discussed challenges and successes in response to the fires and long-term recovery. Some key takeaways revealed that building trust with the local community has been essential for recovery and while temporary housing is an essential priority, there have been unintended consequences in the community. For example, while temporary housing solutions are crucial, their implementation can cause strain on existing resources. Moving forward, the government will continue to address uncertainty in recovery resources. I speak for the entire Oversight Committee when I say that we are committed to ensuring effective government response and working closely with local stakeholders to enhance recovery efforts and support the community’s resilience.

Here is my opening statement and here is my closing statement. Click here to watch the entire hearing.

Happy College Football Season

District Work Month Wrap-Up

This week wrapped up the August district work period and Members of Congress will be heading back to Washington next week for legislative business. The focus in Congress is clear: passing a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government running past September 30. However, there’s an important debate unfolding over the inclusion of the SAVE Act in this funding measure. The SAVE Act, which I co-sponsored, requires proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections. 

It is unclear how this will play out, but if we decide to pass the SAVE Act attached to the CR, the House will effectively dare the Senate to remove the bill and telegraph their lack of commitment to securing elections for American citizens only. As for my part, I will keep pushing to ensure the federal government doesn’t overreach and we act in a fiscally responsible manner.

Moreover, the month of September bodes lots of committee work for me, in both the Oversight and Accountability Committee and Financial Services Committee. Other important topics that will be hitting the floor include deterring China and border security. I will be sure to keep you informed as Congress returns back to Washington next week.

Civil Beat→ Members of Congress Question Response to Maui Disaster
Representatives from FEMA and local/state leaders testified about the federal response to the 2023 Maui wildfires in a field Oversight hearing chaired by me in Lahaina, HI.