Brian Schatz

On December 27, 2012, Brian Schatz was appointed by Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy left by the death of Senator Daniel Inouye. At the time of his appointment, Brian Schatz was serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii. His appointment was notable as he was chosen over other candidates, including the late Senator Inouye's choice, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.

In November 2014, Brian Schatz won a special election to complete the remainder of the late Daniel Inouye's term in the United States Senate. The election was initially scheduled for 2016 but was moved to 2014 to fill the term more urgently. Schatz defeated then-U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa in the Democratic primary which was held twice due to weather delays, demonstrating his political stamina and appeal within Hawaii.

Brian Schatz was re-elected to a full six-year term in the United States Senate on November 8, 2016. During his campaign, he emphasized his record on progressive issues and his commitment to climate change, healthcare, and equality. Schatz's reelection reinforced his position as a leading liberal voice in the Senate, gaining strong support from his constituents in Hawaii.

On October 3, 2017, Brian Schatz introduced the Debt-Free College Act in Congress. The proposed legislation aimed to ensure that students could attend public colleges without accumulating debt. Developed in response to growing concerns over student loan debt in the United States, the bill highlighted Schatz’s focus on accessible education and was part of a broader Democratic push to address financial barriers in higher education.

On February 14, 2019, Senator Brian Schatz, along with several colleagues, introduced legislation aimed at protecting and restoring coral reefs, which are critical to marine ecosystems and local economies. This initiative highlighted Schatz's ongoing commitment to environmental preservation and his role as a leader in climate and ecological advocacy in Congress, pushing for federal support and scientific innovation to safeguard natural resources.

On March 25, 2020, Brian Schatz voted in favor of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The legislation was a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill aimed at providing emergency assistance and health care response for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Schatz's support illustrated his commitment to addressing both the health and economic crises impacting his constituents and the country.

On August 10, 2021, Senator Brian Schatz voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a major bipartisan infrastructure package that aimed to modernize roads, bridges, public transit, broadband, and water systems across the United States. The act was seen as a significant legislative achievement and received broad support as it addressed critical infrastructure needs, promoting economic growth and enhancing quality of life.

On March 10, 2022, Brian Schatz introduced the Native Hawaiian Education Reauthorization Act, aiming to extend and enhance educational funding and support for Native Hawaiian students. The proposed bill sought to improve educational outcomes by providing resources and support specifically tailored to the unique cultural and educational needs of Native Hawaiian communities. Schatz's advocacy emphasized his commitment to educational equity and cultural recognition.

In May 2023, following a series of natural disasters in Hawaii, including significant flooding and volcanic activity, Senator Brian Schatz led efforts to secure federal assistance for the state. On May 15, 2023, Schatz stressed the importance of swift federal response and long-term support for recovery and rebuilding efforts. His actions demonstrated his dedication to his constituents and highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters in Hawaii.

On August 25, 2023, Brian Schatz openly supported President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, praising its impact on alleviating financial burdens on students and families. The plan aimed to forgive a portion of student loan debt for eligible borrowers and was part of a broader strategy to address the student debt crisis. Schatz's endorsement underscored his alignment with key Democratic policies and his ongoing focus on education and economic opportunity.