My week begins with our 38th annual Kamehameha Day celebration in the U.S. Capitol. On Sunday, June 10, hundreds of former and current residents of our state will fill Statuary Hall to pay tribute to the man who united the Hawaiian islands.
On Monday, June 11, the Senate turns its attention to S. 6, the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007. I am looking forward to debate on this comprehensive bill that promotes energy efficiency and drives investment in clean, alternative fuels. It sets new green standards for federal buildings and protects consumers by punishing price gougers. After six and a half years of the Bush presidency, our bill puts the common good ahead of corporate greed.
Also on Monday, the Senate will consider S.J. Res. 14, a resolution that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales no longer holds the confidence of the Senate and the American people. I voted against Attorney General Gonzales' confirmation in February 2005 for a number of reasons, including his advocacy of the Bush Administration's domestic spying program and his handling of enemy combatants in Guantanamo. His record as Attorney General, including the controversial firings of several U.S. attorneys for political reasons, validates my earlier vote against his nomination.
Tuesday morning, I will attend an event celebrating the 232nd birthday of the U.S. Army. As Co-Chair of the Senate Army Caucus, it gives me great pleasure to participate in this recognition of the world's greatest army.
Tuesday afternoon, the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, which I chair, will hold a hearing on "Assessing Telework Policies and Initiatives in the Federal Government."
Wednesday morning, my Veterans' Affairs Committee will review the current state of cooperation regarding employment issues between the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, and Labor.
Also Wednesday morning, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will meet to discuss several bills including S. 1257, the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007, and two of my bills, S. 274, the Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act, and S. 967, the Federal Supervisor Training Act of 2007.
Thursday morning, I will meet with former Navy Secretary John Lehman, who also served on the 9-11 Commission. Accompanying Secretary Lehman will be his son, John III, who has just completed a tour of Iraq.
Thursday afternoon, I will meet with representatives from the Hawaii Military Affairs Council.
Friday morning, I will meet with about 35 Hawaii students, teachers and parents in Washington, D.C. to participate in the annual National History Day contest held at the University of Maryland, College Park. This is a wonderful program and I am continually impressed by the projects and speeches given by our representatives to this national competition.
