Rural America needs a health care revolution

From the volcano-lined communities of Ka‘ū to the corn belt of the Midwest, one truth is clear: rural America is being asked to survive a health care system that is flat-out failing us. My constituents ask me why their life expectancy is nearly a decade shorter than people living in urban areas. Why a simple doctor’s visit requires hours of driving — or a plane ticket. Why hospitals are closing, clinics are stretched thin, and providers are burning out faster than we can recruit them. They … Continue Reading

US Rep. Jill Tokuda: Hawaiʻi Must Ban Future Sale Of Assault Weapons

For too long, communities across America and Hawaiʻi have lived with the fear that today could be the day gun violence shatters everything. Built for combat, not communities, assault weapons like the AR-15 have become the deadly tool of choice for criminals, extremists, and mass shooters. These firearms shoot rounds at four times the velocity of a handgun and are far more destructive to human tissue and organs. Rounds fired by an assault weapon can even pierce law enforcement body … Continue Reading

Rep. Jill Tokuda: Bipartisan Farm Bill Will Reduce Hunger And Lower Costs For Farmers

Every five years, Congress has the opportunity to tackle key challenges agricultural producers face and, in doing so, improve the lives of millions of Americans. By renewing critical federal nutrition programs, ensuring a stable food supply, and supporting producers across the country, we determine the future of agriculture in America. This chance to help farmers and feed families that only comes twice every decade, is known as the Farm Bill. Last year, in anticipation of the Farm Bill, I … Continue Reading