Hawaii U.S. Senator (Class 3) — Brian Emanuel Schatz

Brian Schatz is a progressive Democratic senator from Hawaii serving since 2012, when he was appointed to fill the seat of Daniel Inouye. He has represented the state's interests on climate change, Native Hawaiian affairs, and federal appropriations. He is 53 years old and serves as Senate Democratic Conference Deputy Secretary.

Address the rising cost of living by making healthcare, energy, college, and housing more affordable

Status: in-progress

Schatz championed the Inflation Reduction Act (signed August 16, 2022), which addressed healthcare affordability through ACA premium tax credit extensions, capped prescription drug costs at $2,000 for Medicare beneficiaries, and allowed Medicare to negotiate drug prices. He voted for the act. However, housing affordability remains partially addressed—Schatz unexpectedly voted against the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in March 2026 (89-10 vote), his sole Democratic 'no,' objecting to provisions requiring large real estate investors to divest rental properties.

Strengthen and protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

Status: ongoing

Schatz introduced legislation to increase Social Security benefits while strengthening the program's financial stability. He voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which extended enhanced ACA subsidies for three years and allowed Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices. He has continued to vote against Republican efforts to cut these programs, voting against GOP tax bills that would have kicked millions off health insurance and cut nutritional assistance.

Lead efforts on climate change and clean energy

Status: completed

Schatz was instrumental in the Inflation Reduction Act, which included $783 billion in clean energy and climate change investments—the largest federal climate investment in history. He is a member of the Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis. He authored the YIMBY Act (passed December 2022 in $1.7 trillion spending bill) to encourage clean energy and housing. He recently introduced the GUARDRAILS Act (March 2026) to regulate AI development responsibly.

Support gun control legislation and background checks

Status: ongoing

Schatz voted to expand background checks for gun purchases in 2013. He participated in Chris Murphy's gun control filibuster in 2016. He co-sponsored legislation requiring background checks for every firearm sale in 2019 and voted for a 2013 bill banning high-capacity magazines.

Senator Tracker· Class 3

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Brian Emanuel Schatz

Democrat (D)In office since 2012-12-27· Term ends 2029-01-03

Previously:Hawaii House of Representatives (1998-2006)Chairman, Hawaii Democratic Party (2008-2010)Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii (2010-2012)CEO, Helping Hands Hawaii (2002-2010)

Committees:Committee on AppropriationsCommittee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationCommittee on Foreign RelationsCommittee on Indian Affairs (Vice Chair)Select Committee on Ethics

Approval Rating

65%

Morning Consult (April 2023)

Agenda Progress

1 / 4

promises completed

At a Glance

📋 4 tracked promises📝 7 recent actions⚠ 3 controversies⚠ 1 contradiction

Click the tabs above to explore agenda tracking, recent actions, transparency issues, and more.

◆ Sources

Wikipedia - Brian Schatz GovTrack.us - Sen. Brian Schatz Congress.gov - Brian Schatz Senator Brian Schatz Official Website Honolulu Civil Beat - Candidate Q&A 2022 TIME - Housing Bill Vote Article Punchbowl News - Leadership Ambitions Spectrum Local News - Shutdown Vote Ballotpedia - Brian Schatz DemList - Most Popular Senators

Last updated: 2026-04-10