Congressman Ed Case Reports: Cost of Living; Iran; Appropriations; Kona Low; Kūpuna

Aloha, Friend: Among so many difficult issues before Congress today, three dominate my focus: our unacceptably high cost of living; the Iran war; and my Appropriations Committee’s deliberations on funding our federal government. I’m updating you on each, as well as sharing information on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance for Kona Low storm damage, and my recent Kūpuna Report. Iran War. I’m starting with Iran because it is impacting virtually all of our other issues, especially our cost of living and federal funding. Yesterday marked the 60th day of a war which the President said would be over in a matter of weeks if not days. Some form of tenuous ceasefire is in place, but the consequences in loss of life, disruption of the world economy, higher prices, weaker links with our partners and allies, stronger links between the PRC, Russia, Iran and our other adversaries, increased risks to our interests elsewhere in the world including our Indo-Pacific, and more, are all huge. I’ve said throughout that we cannot accept a nuclear Iran sponsoring international terrorism, and so there may be specific circumstances under which military action may be our best option even given all the risks. But that must be carefully thought through and weighed against broader consequences such as what we are now seeing. That did not happen here, and it cannot be left unilaterally to any one President to decide. That is why our Constitution gives Congress the exclusive authority to declare war, and under the War Powers Act the President has specific obligations to consult with and obtain the approval of Congress, including at the latest no later than 60 days after the commencement of hostilities. Congress did not authorize our country going to war with Iran, the President never properly justified his decision to Congress or the American people, and the President did not report to Congress for its approval at the 60 day mark (Secretary Hegseth today argued that the 60 day clock stopped with the ceasefire, which is straight out wrong). I have cosponsored and voted for resolutions directing the President to remove U.S. military forces from hostilities in Iran unless explicitly authorized by Congress or to defend the U.S. from an imminent attack. My majority colleagues in both the House and the Senate have rejected all such resolutions, tragically failing to defend Congress’ constitutional authority. Unless and until the war ends or my majority colleagues join in requiring Congressional approval, I am focused on full transparency, oversight and funding options to check this unauthorized action through my House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. I mourn our servicemembers lost and pray for those in harm’s way. High Cost of Living. There is a concerted effort within the current administration and Congressional majority to deny, avoid and distract from the unacceptably high cost of living. But we all know that’s the main issue that impacts us every day, and it remains my main focus across the board (see my Appropriations Committee work below). I outlined my overall goals and specific efforts to reduce costs in my December 15, 2025 e-newsletter to you here. I noted that the two primary drivers of high costs in Hawai‘i are the Jones Act (some $1,800 per family per year) and the Trump tariffs (some $1,500 then and much more now). Here’s an update: The Jones Act is crippling in the best of times, but amidst international conflict, when world oil supplies are disrupted and gas, electricity and other energy prices skyrocket, it is downright dangerous to isolated parts of our country like Hawai‘i. That is because we get our fuel mostly from overseas because the Jones Act prevents shipping of domestic oil from our own country, a net energy exporter, to Hawai‘i. So if international supplies are disrupted and we have to get our energy from the continent but there are no Jones Act ships to ship here, we have to be able to use international shipping. That is why I urged President Trump to grant and then extend a waiver from the Jones Act to be sure our energy lifeline remains open throughout this disruption. See my March 18, 2026 press release here and my April 22, 2026 press release here. To be very clear: the waiver won’t itself reduce gas and other energy prices which the Iran war is directly causing. But it will help to hold down price increases and provide a safety valve to ensure Hawaiʻi continues to get needed fuel supplies. On tariffs (which are taxes on goods and services imported into our country from other countries, taxes that one way or another are passed down to all of us), I have opposed President Trump’s huge tariff increases last year for various reasons, including (a) only Congress is authorized to impose tariffs, (b) we shouldn’t be imposing huge across-the-board tariffs around the world especially on our friends and allies, and (c) they would cause painful higher prices and overall inflation. In February of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed that the President was not authorized to impose his tariffs. On April 20th, the administration took the initial steps toward refunding the more than $166 billion collected from tariffs. If you or your business was directly harmed by the tariffs, you can request a refund here. The President has nonetheless continued to try to impose some wide-ranging tariffs though Congress has not authorized them. To be clear on Congress’ position, I cosponsored the bipartisan Stop Global Tariffs Act to prevent the misuse of outdated authorities to impose sweeping tariffs. For more on my efforts to fight the unacceptably high cost of living, please go to my website here. Federal Assistance for Kona Lows Damage. I am fully focused on assisting all of our families and communities affected by the devastating March 2026 Kona Lows storm flooding. I started by joining my Hawai‘i Congressional delegation partners in supporting Governor Green’s request to the President for a Major Disaster Declaration, which the President did declare (see here). As a member of my House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security, responsible for funding FEMA, through which federal disaster relief flows, I also advocated for fully funding FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). Today we passed and the President signed a law to fully fund most of the Department of Homeland Security and end the long unnecessary partial government shutdown; that legislation included $26.4 billion in new funding for DRF (more here). If you were affected by the Kona Lows, there is info on applying for assistance here. The key points are:Individuals can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance by calling FEMA’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-621-3362, visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or using the FEMA app on a smartphone or tablet. The deadline for requesting assistance is June 7, 2026. Applications can be updated with additional information later. Individual Assistance is designed to help individuals with basic,essential needs that are not covered by insurance or other sources. Depending on individual circumstances, assistance may include temporary housing assistance, basic home repairs or other eligible disaster-related expenses. If you have homeowners or renters’ insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may then be eligible for federal assistance.The Small Business Administration also provides low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of any size and nonprofits. You can apply online at sba.gov/disaster. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email [email protected]. My House Appropriations Committee, responsible for funding our federal government every year, is well into consideration of our Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 funding bills. We are conducting various oversight hearings (mine involve our defense and intelligence efforts through my Defense Subcommittee, and our homeland security, cybersecurity, FEMA, Coast Guard and other efforts through my Homeland Security Subcommittee), and our full Committee has approved four bills which have included many of my requests. Here are details:Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (press release and remarks)Financial Services and General Government (press release)National Security, Department of State and Related Programs (press release)Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration and Rural Development (press release and remarks on my amendment to restore funding for water and waste disposal grants for Hawai‘i)Appropriations will continue to dominate my time on Capitol Hill for the next several months as we work through our remaining eight bills that fund the entirety of our federal government. A Separate, Independent, Co-Equal Branch of Government. I have always said that I will work with this or any administration and Congressional colleague where it benefits our country and Hawaiʻi. But where policies and actions are harmful, unlawful, or contrary to our democracy and values, I will oppose them. WhiIe I have worked with this administration on various efforts, I have opposed many of its actions and continue to use every tool available, from oversight, legislation and votes to public statements and litigation and more, to fulfill my duty to act as a check and balance on the executive branch and hold it accountable. Here is an updated summary of my actions. Kūpuna. Finally, I want to share my latest update to our kūpuna. We currently have over 311,000 individuals over 65 in our Hawai‘i representing over 21% of our population, up from 18% just four years ago. My most recent report to them on issues of special concern and my efforts in Appropriations and otherwise is here. There is much more on my recent activities on my website at case.house.gov. As always, I welcome your questions, suggestions and needs at [email protected] or (808) 650-6688.

Aloha, Friend:

Among so many difficult issues before Congress today, three dominate my focus: our unacceptably high cost of living; the Iran war; and my Appropriations Committee’s deliberations on funding our federal government. I’m updating you on each, as well as sharing information on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance for Kona Low storm damage, and my recent Kūpuna Report.

Iran War. I’m starting with Iran because it is impacting virtually all of our other issues, especially our cost of living and federal funding.

Yesterday marked the 60^th day of a war which the President said would be over in a matter of weeks if not days. Some form of tenuous ceasefire is in place, but the consequences in loss of life, disruption of the world economy, higher prices, weaker links with our partners and allies, stronger links between the PRC, Russia, Iran and our other adversaries, increased risks to our interests elsewhere in the world including our Indo-Pacific, and more, are all huge.

I’ve said throughout that we cannot accept a nuclear Iran sponsoring international terrorism, and so there may be specific circumstances under which military action may be our best option even given all the risks. But that must be carefully thought through and weighed against broader consequences such as what we are now seeing. That did not happen here, and it cannot be left unilaterally to any one President to decide.

That is why our Constitution gives Congress the exclusive authority to declare war, and under the War Powers Act the President has specific obligations to consult with and obtain the approval of Congress, including at the latest no later than 60 days after the commencement of hostilities. Congress did not authorize our country going to war with Iran, the President never properly justified his decision to Congress or the American people, and the President did not report to Congress for its approval at the 60 day mark (Secretary Hegseth today argued that the 60 day clock stopped with the ceasefire, which is straight out wrong).

I have cosponsored and voted for resolutions directing the President to remove U.S. military forces from hostilities in Iran unless explicitly authorized by Congress or to defend the U.S. from an imminent attack. My majority colleagues in both the House and the Senate have rejected all such resolutions, tragically failing to defend Congress’ constitutional authority.

Unless and until the war ends or my majority colleagues join in requiring Congressional approval, I am focused on full transparency, oversight and funding options to check this unauthorized action through my House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. I mourn our servicemembers lost and pray for those in harm’s way.

High Cost of Living. There is a concerted effort within the current administration and Congressional majority to deny, avoid and distract from the unacceptably high cost of living. But we all know that’s the main issue that impacts us every day, and it remains my main focus across the board (see my Appropriations Committee work below).

I outlined my overall goals and specific efforts to reduce costs in my December 15, 2025 e-newsletter to you here. I noted that the two primary drivers of high costs in Hawai‘i are the Jones Act (some $1,800 per family per year) and the Trump tariffs (some $1,500 then and much more now). Here’s an update:

The Jones Act is crippling in the best of times, but amidst international conflict, when world oil supplies are disrupted and gas, electricity and other energy prices skyrocket, it is downright dangerous to isolated parts of our country like Hawai‘i. That is because we get our fuel mostly from overseas because the Jones Act prevents shipping of domestic oil from our own country, a net energy exporter, to Hawai‘i. So if international supplies are disrupted and we have to get our energy from the continent but there are no Jones Act ships to ship here, we have to be able to use international shipping.

That is why I urged President Trump to grant and then extend a waiver from the Jones Act to be sure our energy lifeline remains open throughout this disruption. See my March 18, 2026 press release here and my April 22, 2026 press release here. To be very clear: the waiver won’t itself reduce gas and other energy prices which the Iran war is directly causing. But it will help to hold down price increases and provide a safety valve to ensure Hawaiʻi continues to get needed fuel supplies.

On tariffs (which are taxes on goods and services imported into our country from other countries, taxes that one way or another are passed down to all of us), I have opposed President Trump’s huge tariff increases last year for various reasons, including (a) only Congress is authorized to impose tariffs, (b) we shouldn’t be imposing huge across-the-board tariffs around the world especially on our friends and allies, and (c) they would cause painful higher prices and overall inflation.

In February of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed that the President was not authorized to impose his tariffs. On April 20^th, the administration took the initial steps toward refunding the more than $166 billion collected from tariffs. If you or your business was directly harmed by the tariffs, you can request a refund here.

The President has nonetheless continued to try to impose some wide-ranging tariffs though Congress has not authorized them. To be clear on Congress’ position, I cosponsored the bipartisan Stop Global Tariffs Act to prevent the misuse of outdated authorities to impose sweeping tariffs.

For more on my efforts to fight the unacceptably high cost of living, please go to my website here.

Federal Assistance for Kona Lows Damage. I am fully focused on assisting all of our families and communities affected by the devastating March 2026 Kona Lows storm flooding. I started by joining my Hawai‘i Congressional delegation partners in supporting Governor Green’s request to the President for a Major Disaster Declaration, which the President did declare (see here).

As a member of my House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security, responsible for funding FEMA, through which federal disaster relief flows, I also advocated for fully funding FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). Today we passed and the President signed a law to fully fund most of the Department of Homeland Security and end the long unnecessary partial government shutdown; that legislation included $26.4 billion in new funding for DRF (more here).

If you were affected by the Kona Lows, there is info on applying for assistance here. The key points are:

Individuals can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance by calling FEMA’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-621-3362, visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or using the FEMA app on a smartphone or tablet. The deadline for requesting assistance is June 7, 2026. Applications can be updated with additional information later.

Individual Assistance is designed to help individuals with basic,

essential needs that are not covered by insurance or other sources. Depending on individual circumstances, assistance may include temporary housing assistance, basic home repairs or other eligible disaster-related expenses.

If you have homeowners or renters’ insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may then be eligible for federal assistance.

The Small Business Administration also provides low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of any size and nonprofits. You can apply online at sba.gov/disaster. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email [email protected].

Appropriations. My House Appropriations Committee, responsible for funding our federal government every year, is well into consideration of our Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 funding bills. We are conducting various oversight hearings (mine involve our defense and intelligence efforts through my Defense Subcommittee, and our homeland security, cybersecurity, FEMA, Coast Guard and other efforts through my Homeland Security Subcommittee), and our full Committee has approved four bills which have included many of my requests. Here are details:

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (press release and remarks)
Financial Services and General Government (press release)
National Security, Department of State and Related Programs (press release)
Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration and Rural Development (press release and remarks on my amendment to restore funding for water and waste disposal grants for Hawai‘i)

Appropriations will continue to dominate my time on Capitol Hill for the next several months as we work through our remaining eight bills that fund the entirety of our federal government.

A Separate, Independent, Co-Equal Branch of Government. I have always said that I will work with this or any administration and Congressional colleague where it benefits our country and Hawaiʻi. But where policies and actions are harmful, unlawful, or contrary to our democracy and values, I will oppose them.

WhiIe I have worked with this administration on various efforts, I have opposed many of its actions and continue to use every tool available, from oversight, legislation and votes to public statements and litigation and more, to fulfill my duty to act as a check and balance on the executive branch and hold it accountable. Here is an updated summary of my actions.

Kūpuna. Finally, I want to share my latest update to our kūpuna. We currently have over 311,000 individuals over 65 in our Hawai‘i representing over 21% of our population, up from 18% just four years ago. My most recent report to them on issues of special concern and my efforts in Appropriations and otherwise is here.

There is much more on my recent activities on my website at case.house.gov. As always, I welcome your questions, suggestions and needs at [email protected] or (808) 650-6688.

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