Reps. Tokuda, Bacon Lead Bipartisan Effort to Protect Rural Health Care from New $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02) and Don Bacon (R-NE-02), along with 31 of their colleagues, are urging Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to exempt healthcare workers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) newly implemented $100,000 fee for workers located outside the United States. In a bipartisan letter, the lawmakers warn that the unprecedented fee would further strain rural hospitals, clinics, and safety-net providers … Continue Reading
February 04, 2026
Rep. Tokuda Holds Agriculture Listening Sessions Across Hawaiʻi Ahead of Farm Bill
Hawaiʻi — U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) recently held a series of agriculture listening sessions across Hawaiʻi to hear directly from farmers, ranchers, and producers about the challenges facing local agriculture and food systems in advance of a potential markup of a Farm Bill in the House Committee on Agriculture. The listening sessions, held in Waimānalo, Waialua, and Kula, came at a time of heightened uncertainty for farmers nationwide, driven by market volatility, trade … Continue Reading
February 03, 2026
Rep. Tokuda Surprises 2025 Congressional App Challenge Winners
Hawaiʻi - U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) is announcing the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for her congressional district after surprising them with on-campus visits. Rep. Tokuda visited Le Jardin Academy to surprise Michael Kai Hochart with the news that he took home top honors for the “ʻIwa App,” which helps to quickly identify derelict fishing nets from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery and assists with the on-site execution of large-scale marine debris removal … Continue Reading
February 03, 2026
Rep. Tokuda Votes Against Funding Bill That Includes DHS
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) released the following statement after voting against a Fiscal Year 2026 government funding package, which includes two weeks of stopgap funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): “I have supported the vast majority of bipartisan funding agreements in this bill, but I cannot, in good conscience, give a blank check to DHS whose leadership has failed in its most basic responsibility to protect Americans. Just weeks … Continue Reading
January 29, 2026
Rep. Tokuda Announces Class of 2030 Nominees to the U.S. Service Academies
Honolulu - Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) announced her nomination of 30 students from Hawaii to the U.S. service academies for the Class of 2030. “I am proud to nominate these remarkable students who reflect the strength, diversity, and promise of Hawaiʻi. They bring a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to serving something greater than themselves,” said Rep. Tokuda. “Earning the opportunity to attend one of our nation’s historic and prestigious service academies is a … Continue Reading
January 26, 2026
Rep. Tokuda to Hold Town Halls Statewide
Hawaiʻi - This week, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) will begin a series of town halls in every county of Hawaiʻi. Rep. Tokuda will discuss policies affecting Hawaiʻi, address concerns about the Trump administration, and answer questions from community members. Waimea (Hawaiʻi Island) SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026 Parker School Gymnasium 10am to 11am Please RSVP at bit.ly/waimeatownhall Līhuʻe SATURDAY, FEBURARY 7, 2026 Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary School Cafeteria 10am to … Continue Reading
January 22, 2026
Rep. Tokuda Delivers for Hawaiʻi Housing Projects and Public Education, Rejects ICE Spending
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) voted in favor of a minibus package that includes funding for the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Transportation. However, Rep. Tokuda voted against a separate funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, which contained funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The two-bill minibus package passed the House by a vote of 341-88 and … Continue Reading
January 15, 2026
Rep. Tokuda Urges Increase in Maximum Sentence for Military Members Convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) sent a letter to the Chair of the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice requesting an increase in the maximum sentence for military members convicted of voluntary manslaughter, which is currently lower than in Hawaiʻi and many other states. Rep. Tokuda is asking the Committee to review and recommend to the President a tougher penalty for voluntary manslaughter, which under the 2024 Edition of the Manual for Courts-Martial, is no … Continue Reading
January 09, 2026
Rep. Tokuda Secures Critical Funding for Hawaiʻi in Minibus Package
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) voted in favor of a bipartisan minibus package that includes three funding bills for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, Energy, Interior and Science agencies. The legislation, which passed the House by a vote of 397-28 now goes to the Senate. “This funding package takes a critical step toward fully funding the government and delivers real investments in clean water, research, jobs, and public safety that strengthen … Continue Reading
January 08, 2026
Rep. Tokuda Votes to Protect Health Coverage for Hawaiʻi Residents
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) voted in favor of legislation to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits for three years, preventing massive premium hikes that has made health care unaffordable for millions of Americans, including residents and families across Hawaiʻi. The measure passed the House by a vote of 230-196, moving Congress one step closer to protecting affordable coverage and stabilizing rural health systems. During debate on … Continue Reading
January 03, 2026
Rep. Tokuda Statement on Trump Military Actions in Venezuela
Hawaiʻi - Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) released the following statement on the president's military actions in Venezuela: "At a time when Americans can’t afford rent, healthcare, or groceries, the Trump administration found time and money for regime change in Venezuela, risking a war that Americans don’t want. Before we spend another dollar on this reckless conflict, the American people deserve answers, including what this administration’s exit strategy is. Americans wanted … Continue Reading
December 19, 2025
Reps. Tokuda, Obernolte, Matsui, Hurd Lead Bipartisan Effort to Improve Staffing, Prevent Cuts at National Park Service
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), and Jeff Hurd (R-CO-03) led a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum urging him to address insufficient staffing levels and refrain from additional employee reductions at National Parks across the country, citing the impact of staffing shortages on park visitors and the economies of neighboring “gateway” communities. Since January 2025, the National Park Service … Continue Reading
December 18, 2025
Rep. Tokuda Introduces Bill to Support Law Enforcement’s Battle Against ‘Zombie Guns’
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced a bill to provide public agencies, including police departments, with greater resources to fully and safely destroy seized or surrendered firearms. The Restoring Trust in Public Safety Act would create a new federal grant program to help state, Tribal, and local governments and law enforcement agencies acquire equipment, hire personnel, and conduct training to guarantee the complete destruction of firearms and firearm parts … Continue Reading
December 15, 2025
Rep. Tokuda Releases Statement on Passing of Hawaiʻi County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) released the following statement on the passing of Hawaiʻi County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Hawaiʻi County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd. Chief Todd was more than a dedicated public servant — he was a devoted son, a loving husband, and a proud father who carried those values of family into every part of his life and work. I will always remember the way Chief Todd took care of all of Hawaiʻi Island like … Continue Reading
December 11, 2025
Reps. Tokuda, Fitzpatrick, Balint, LaMalfa, Tran Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Mental Health Care Services for First Responders
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), joined by colleagues Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), and Derek Tran (D-CA-45), introduced legislation to increase access to specialized mental health, substance abuse, and crisis counseling services for first responders. The Crisis Assistance and Resources in Emergencies (CARE) for First Responders Act aims to strengthen resources and support systems for the individuals who … Continue Reading
December 10, 2025
Rep. Tokuda Secures Key Hawai‘i Provisions in House-Passed Annual Defense Policy Bill
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) voted to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will now go the U.S. Senate for consideration. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Tokuda secured key provisions to address critical needs in Hawaiʻi, support service members and military families, and ensure the nation’s defense. "This year’s NDAA includes important provisions for Hawaiʻi, military families, and … Continue Reading
December 03, 2025
Rep. Tokuda Reintroduces Bill to Provide Fair SNAP EBT Benefits for Hawaiʻi’s Rural Households
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) reintroduced a bill that would adjust inequities in how federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT is calculated for Hawaiʻi’s urban and rural areas. The Feeding Rural Families Act would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct separate Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) calculations for urban and rural areas of Hawaiʻi when determining SNAP maximum monthly benefit allotments. Although federal law … Continue Reading
November 26, 2025
Reps. Tokuda, Moore, Bacon Introduce Bill Requiring 24-Hour Notice of Alleged Abuse in Military Child Care Programs
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Blake Moore (R-UT-01), and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced legislation requiring military child and youth programs to notify parents or guardians within 24 hours after learning of alleged or suspected abuse or neglect involving their children that occurred at a military child development center or similar program. The Military Child and Youth Program Abuse and Neglect Notification Act would codify a Department of Defense … Continue Reading
November 24, 2025
Rep. Tokuda Introduces Bill to Repeal Tariffs on Indo-Pacific Allies Including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan & the Philippines
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced a bill that would eliminate President Trump’s “emergency” tariffs on Indo-Pacific allies, reaffirming our nation’s commitment to our key economic partners. The Chinese Communist Party continues to escalate its aggressive and coercive behavior against our Indo-Pacific partners by developing military bases on artificial islands in the South China Sea, embargoing imports from Pacific countries, and provoking tensions along the … Continue Reading
November 21, 2025
Rep. Tokuda Leads Bipartisan Bill to Secure More Funding for Native Hawaiian Arts & Culture
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) reintroduced a bipartisan bill to clear longstanding administrative hurdles that have limited Native Hawaiian-serving arts and cultural organizations’ access to federal grant opportunities. The Native Arts and Culture Promotion Act streamlines the grant application process for Native Hawaiian-serving organizations by eliminating outdated signatory requirements that currently delay or block applications. Additionally, the bill … Continue Reading