Despite what many national pundits tell us, there's nothing inherently good about bipartisanship. After all, that's what brought us the Iraq War Resolution and the Defense of Marriage Act. By the same token, there's nothing inherently bad about bipartisanship. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 were bipartisan measures. Obviously, legislation should be assessed on the merits, regardless of the party affiliation of supporters.
Of course, the Republican majority in the House is arguably the most ideologically driven we've ever seen. Even the Gingrich Congress had a few GOP moderates. There might not be any in the Boehner Congress.
So, I had minimal expectations for legislative success by my representative, progressive Democratic Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono, during this Congressional term. I figured she'd eloquently argue against bad proposals and introduce her own good proposals (which she's done), but any actual success would have to wait until after the next election.
To my surprise, through civility, tenacity, and strong arguments, Hirono has already passed two important - and progressive - pieces of legislation in this Congress. Please follow me below for the story.
Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native education programs
There are many conservatives in Congress who oppose any support for racial minorities, including native peoples. Many Republicans also oppose any federal support for education. Thus, it wasn't shocking that GOP budget drafters proposed the elimination of all funding for Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native education programs. Reportedly, the National Education Association supported the defunding. That was unfortunate. As a Hawai`i resident, I know how vital Native Hawaiian education programs are. But with education funding part of a shrinking pie, the NEA has to make some tough choices on issues relating to the division of that pie. With both the House majority and the NEA on the same side of the issue, Hirono and GOP Rep. Don Young of Alaska faced an uphill battle in trying to get the funding back in the budget. Yet, they got it done, by a 313-117 vote!
Hirono tells the story:
Working across the aisle, Representative Young and I were able to join forces to counteract those who strongly oppose any programs benefiting Native Hawaiians or Alaska Natives. We lobbied our members hard, and I was thrilled with the decisive vote. Although we differ in many of our political views, we share a commitment to fairness for the indigenous, aboriginal people of what is now the United States.
Vital programs that serve our communities have been cut by the Republican Majority. Democrat after Democrat has spoken for over thirty-four hours over the past three days on how these cuts impact our districts. To be able to work collaboratively, even in the toxic Washington environment, speaks to the importance of Native Hawaiian education programs.
Airport funding for Hawai`i
The Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization debate in the House this spring was contentious and confusing. Much was at stake, including millions of dollars in airport-improvement funding. The funding formula in the FAA reauthorization that got passed out committee was unfair to Hawai`i, which is arguably more dependent on air travel than any other state. Hirono went to the House floor to argue for an amendment to bring fairness to Hawai`i:
Her arguments eventually persuaded a reluctant Rep. John Mica, Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. With his support, the amendment passed by a voice vote, allowing Hawai`i to receive $6 million.
State Transportation Glenn Okimoto explains:
With the partnership of Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, we were able to take an important step toward increasing federal funds for the State of Hawaii’s Department of Transportation. It was through Congresswoman Hirono’s efforts that the Department's initiative to amend the Passenger Facility Charge program was able to be adopted by placing partisan politics aside in the House. This amendment more importantly acknowledges our geographic challenges and provides equity in our airport improvement program that will result in approximately $6 million of additional federal funds to improve our statewide airport systems.
Watching these developments over the last few months has been educational for me. Coalitions and partnerships can be forged in unlikely circumstances. For example, Hirono has joined conservative Republican Walter Jones in supporting a resolution to bring the troops home from Afghanistan and in introducing legislation to encourage to encourage the use of assistance dogs by members and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Legislative tenacity - supported by strong arguments - can be rewarded even when it looks like all hope is lost.
I'm hoping Hirono's legislative skills - including a willingness and ability to work in a bipartisan manner when it benefits her constituents and the country - will be on display soon in the U.S. Senate. (She's a likely candidate for next year's race to replace retiring U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka.) If you agree, please consider signing up for small monthly contributions to her campaign fund via my ActBlue page. Mahalo.