Aloha, Friend.
I’m deeply humbled by the responsibility entrusted in me to continue representing our Hawai‘i in our U.S. Congress in the upcoming 118th Congress (2023-2025).
As always, and especially in these ongoing times of challenge and crisis, my ability to fully represent you on Capitol Hill depends on our staying in touch wherever and however we can. To that end, here’s a quick report and an invitation to another of my live talk stories, this one focused on illicit drugs in Hawai’i.
Completing the 117th Congress/Preparing for the 118th
The current two-year 117th Congress does not end and the next 118th Congress does not begin until January 3, 2023. So although I am already preparing for the 118th, the 117th still has several weeks remaining and I am focused on finishing out as productively as possible.
My top priority is to work with my House Committee on Appropriations to complete our work funding our federal government for the year. I’m focusing especially in several areas, including continued funding for all aspects of Red Hill as well as for specific community projects. Here are summaries of my Appropriations initiatives for the current cycle.
As I write you, the election results for the current 118th Congress have not been completed, especially for my U.S. House where which party will control the majority and by how much remain in question. There is much I don’t know yet about how the House will organize and what my specific roles will be come January 2023.
But there are several areas where I’m focusing my preparation for the 118th Congress. First and foremost is to assist my new colleague, Congresswoman-elect Jill Tokuda, in every way I can so that she is as prepared as possible to hit the ground running come January. This is important for any state delegation when welcoming a new member, but especially critical for a small state like Hawai‘i with only two of us in the U.S. House. I believe that Congresswoman-elect Tokuda is well along in her preparation and will be my full partner from day one.
Although we have not completed our current year appropriations measures, I’m also already well underway on preparing for our Fiscal Year 2024 cycle, which my Appropriations Committee will begin working on in earnest early next year. I welcome your questions and input on potential federal funding for Hawai‘i here.
Live Talk Story on Illicit Drugs in Hawai’i
The trafficking and use throughout Hawai‘i of destructive illicit drugs like crystal methamphetamine (ice) and opioids (illegal or legal but abused) has been a critical issue for decades, with widespread public safety, public health and community and family disruption consequences. The evolution of this challenge, especially with the increasing presence in Hawai‘i of destructive fentanyl, is of great concern.
In addressing this matter and forging effective solutions, it is important that we all deal with the facts and reality and focus on the practical options. To contribute, I’m hosting a Facebook Live talk story on Monday, November 21st, 6:00-7:30PM Hawai‘i time, with two experts: Gary Yabuta, Director of our federally-funded Hawai‘i High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (www.hi-hidta.org); and Heather Lusk, Executive Director of the Hawai‘i Health and Harm Reduction Center (www.hhhrc.org).
Here are the details for how to join us. You can ask questions on Facebook during our event or else email them in advance to [email protected] (please reference November 21st Talk Story).
As always, I welcome your questions and input and stand ready to assist you and yours however I can. Please visit my website at https://case.house.gov, email me at [email protected], or call my Honolulu office at (808) 650-6688 anytime.
Best wishes and be well!
