New committee assignments for Hawaii’s U.S. senators are "strategically excellent" and reflect strong alliances being developed by the new delegation, the state’s senior senator said.
Updated assignments were announced Friday by Majority Leader U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, who was sworn in Dec. 27 to fill the vacancy left by the death of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, was the only freshman assigned to the Senate Commerce Committee, and also will sit on the Energy and Indian Affairs committees.
"The Commerce Committee is very important because of its breadth — covering infrastructure like rail and roads as well as the oceans," Schatz said in a statement. "As we work our way through economic recovery and create the right kind of future for our state and country, this is a pivotal committee."
Inouye previously served on the Commerce Committee along with his best friend and ally, U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska. Former U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, who retired at the end of 2012, had served as chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee in his final term.
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who was sworn in Thursday with the 113th Congress, received a key spot on the Armed Services Committee and also will sit on the Judiciary and Veterans’ Affairs committees.
She called it an honor to serve on the Armed Services Committee. Inouye began his Senate career in 1963 as a member of the committee.
"Our military’s presence in Hawaii not only plays a critical role in our national security but also in driving our state’s economy and supporting thousands of jobs in the public and private sectors," Hirono said in a statement. "I look forward to partnering with my colleague on the House Armed Services Committee, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, in preserving Hawaii’s important role in our national security."
Hanabusa also serves on the Natural Resources Committee. New U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been assigned to the Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs committees.
Inouye’s former spot on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, of which he was chairman at the time of his death, is being slotted for U.S. Sen. Mark Begich. Begich, a Democrat, would join his GOP colleague from Alaska, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
In an interview Friday, Begich said he expects to carry on the spirit of cooperation between Alaska and Hawaii, forged over decades by Inouye and Stevens.
Hawaii has one of the most junior delegations in Congress after Inouye’s death last month that ended his 50 years in the Senate, and Akaka’s retirement after 22 years. Inouye’s death has raised concerns across Hawaii about the level of federal support the state might secure in the absence of such a powerful, well-regarded leader in Washington.
After Inouye’s death, Begich and Murkowski have spoken about the importance of the two states continuing to work together to ensure their needs are met.
"Alaska and Hawaii will always be a unique team because of our unique separation from the mainland," Begich said, adding, "Our relationship with Hawaii is only going to get stronger."
The anticipated committee assignments are subject to approval by the full Democratic caucus and approval of an organizing resolution by the full Senate.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
