Hawaii Congressional Bills

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 17, 2025

SRES 552: A resolution recognizing that oceans are warming due to human-caused climate change.

SRES 552 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing that oceans are warming due to human-caused climate change. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally acknowledges scientific consensus on ocean warming impacts, citing data like oceans absorbing 14 zettajoules of excess heat annually. The resolution highlights effects such as coral reef damage, shifting fish populations, and increased harmful algal blooms, which impact coastal economies and ecosystems. It was introduced by Senators Whitehouse, Merkley, Schatz, and others, reflecting bipartisan recognition of climate science without proposing policy changes.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 17, 2025

SRES 564: A resolution recognizing the ability of solar, storage, and wind to quickly and cheaply meet United States power demand growth.

This is a symbolic Senate resolution (SRES 564), not a bill with enforceable policy changes. It recognizes that solar, wind, and battery storage are the most cost-effective new power sources in the U.S., noting they made up 93% of new capacity in 2024 and 95% of projects awaiting grid connection as of 2025. The resolution cites data showing renewables now produce more electricity than coal and that delaying renewable deployment could cost ratepayers over $3 billion annually. It does not create new laws, funding, or regulations - only expresses the Senate's view that accelerating renewable energy is essential to meet growing power demand.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 17, 2025

SRES 560: A resolution recognizing that mercury pollution can cause severe health problems, including permanent brain damage, kidney damage, and birth defects.

SRES 560 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing that mercury pollution causes severe health risks, including brain damage, kidney issues, and birth defects. It cites mercury's sources (fossil fuel plants), notes 3,700+ active fish consumption advisories nationwide, and states that 80 million Americans live near power plants emitting mercury. The resolution specifically urges the EPA to maintain current mercury emission controls and emphasizes there is "no known safe level" of exposure. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally states the Senate's position on mercury health impacts.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 17, 2025

SRES 555: A resolution recognizing that climate change poses a threat to the mortgage market and to home values.

This Senate resolution (SRES 555) formally recognizes that climate change threatens U.S. home values and the mortgage market, based on cited evidence including $7.4 billion in coastal home value losses (2005-2017) across five states and projections of $1.5 trillion in residential property value decline over 30 years due to climate risks. It highlights specific climate impacts like sea-level rise flooding and increased insurance costs, noting that property values in vulnerable areas could decline significantly, potentially triggering broader economic consequences similar to the Great Recession. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of these risks by the Senate, directly affecting homeowners in climate-exposed regions and mortgage industry stakeholders.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 17, 2025

SRES 550: A resolution recognizing that climate change is not a hoax, but sound science.

This is a non-binding Senate resolution (SRES 550) affirming scientific consensus on climate change. It states that climate change caused by fossil fuels is "not a hoax" and "sound science," citing historical scientific findings and recent NASA/Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change data. The resolution specifically criticizes the 2025 decision by the Trump administration to dismantle climate research programs and remove the National Climate Assessment. It calls on Congress to protect mandated climate research programs but does not create new laws or affect any individuals or entities. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal force or direct impact on policy or constituents.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 17, 2025

SRES 563: A resolution affirming that the Federal Government should support school district investment in clean school buses.

SRES 563 is a non-binding Senate resolution affirming that the federal government should support school districts in replacing diesel school buses with cleaner alternatives like electric models. It highlights that diesel exhaust - harmful pollutants linked to asthma, missed school days, and long-term health risks for children - directly affects over 30% of U.S. students who ride school buses. The resolution cites bipartisan past efforts, including funding in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to support this transition but does not create new funding or mandates. It serves as a statement of policy preference, not a legislative action.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 17, 2025

SRES 558: A resolution recognizing that climate change-driven extreme weather events are increasing at the same time that the government is dismantling weather monitoring and alert systems.

This Senate resolution (SRES 558) recognizes the growing link between climate change and increasingly severe weather events while highlighting reduced staffing and funding for weather monitoring. It cites scientific consensus that climate change intensifies hurricanes, flooding, and heavy rainfall, and notes the National Weather Service has lost over 550 employees since 2025 with proposed $2.2 billion NOAA budget cuts. The resolution formally acknowledges climate-driven weather risks, mourns lives lost to such events, and calls for maintaining adequate funding and staffing for weather monitoring systems. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses the Senate's position but does not create new policy or funding.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 17, 2025

SRES 553: A resolution recognizing that climate change is real.

SRES 553 is a non-binding Senate resolution introduced on December 17, 2025, by Senators Whitehouse, Merkley, Schatz, Markey, Van Hollen, Duckworth, Padilla, Welch, and Blunt Rochester. It formally recognizes that climate change is real, citing decades of scientific evidence linking it to fossil fuel emissions. The resolution does not create new laws, impose requirements, or directly affect any specific groups - it serves solely as a declarative statement of scientific consensus. This is a procedural resolution with no legislative or policy impact.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 17, 2025

HRES 956: Condemning the antisemitic shooting in Sydney, Australia, and all forms of hatred and violence directed at religious communities.

HRES 956 is a symbolic resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives condemning an antisemitic attack that occurred during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, on December 14, 2025. It expresses strong condemnation of the shooting (which caused deaths and injuries), extends condolences to victims and the Australian Jewish community, and affirms the right to worship freely. The resolution also reaffirms the U.S. commitment to combating antisemitism and terrorism and urges the Australian government to address rising antisemitism and protect religious communities. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or groups.

Gregory W. Meeks (D) · 21 co-sponsors

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 17, 2025

S 3544: Federal Firearm Licensing Act

S 3544, the Federal Firearm Licensing Act, would require most individuals to obtain a federal license to purchase, receive, or possess a firearm, with exceptions for states that have comparable state licensing systems. To qualify, applicants must complete firearms safety training (including a written test and hands-on shooting demonstration), pass a background check, and provide personal details, firearm specifics, and seller information. Licenses would be valid for one firearm within 30 days and expire after five years, with renewal requiring the same safety training and background check. The bill also mandates point-of-sale background checks through licensed dealers and requires sellers to report all firearm transactions to the federal government within three business days.

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 17, 2025

S 3535: GRACE Act

The GRACE Act (S 3535) sets a minimum annual refugee admission target of 125,000 for the U.S., requiring the President to determine this number based on humanitarian needs and national interest. It introduces community/private sponsorship for refugees, allowing groups to provide initial resettlement services instead of traditional agency support. The bill mandates quarterly public reports to Congress on admissions numbers, regional allocations aligned with UN resettlement needs, processing times, security checks, and any shortfall in meeting targets. This directly affects refugees seeking admission, the Department of Homeland Security (which administers processing), and Congress (through transparency requirements).

Topics ✓ Immigration

Edward J. Markey (D) · 18 co-sponsors

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 17, 2025

S 3523: Clean Competition Act

The Clean Competition Act imposes a carbon intensity charge on covered primary goods produced domestically or imported into the U.S., calculated based on how much a facility's carbon intensity exceeds industry benchmarks. The charge starts at $60 per metric ton of CO2-e in 2026 and increases annually, determined by (excess carbon intensity) x (quantity of goods) x (cost of pollution). The bill includes provisions for rebates on exports, reductions for emissions captured directly from the air, and mechanisms to support decarbonization through investments in clean technology. It also establishes "carbon clubs" for international cooperation on climate policies, affecting manufacturers in specific energy-intensive industries and importers of covered goods.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Hawaii Congressional Bills

Bill results