On July 1, new documentation requirements take affect that will likely cause delays or denials of Medicaid coverage to some of the nation??€™s most vulnerable citizens, leaving people without health coverage and placing more burdens on hospitals and health centers to provide uncompensated care. Under the new regulations issued by the Bush Administration, all U.S. citizens will have to document their citizenship status when they apply for Medicaid or renew their Medicaid eligibility by presenting a U.S. passport or the combination of a U.S. birth certificate (or other proof that they were born in the United States) and proof of identity such as a driver??€™s license. These regulations are being issued even though there is no evidence of significant problems with non-citizens enrolling in Medicaid. The regulations are more onerous than necessary to implement this ill-advised part of the Republican budget reconciliation bill and will jeopardize Medicaid coverage for many who should be enrolled. The regulations:

Washington, D.C. - Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) today fought against new Medicaid documentation requirements imposed by the Deficit Reduction Act that goes into effect July 1, 2006. A procedural request to pass his legislation that would extend the deadline until January 31, 2007 was blocked by the Republican Leadership.

"It is unfortunate that some of my colleagues have chosen to block this important piece of legislation. I will continue to work to delay and make improvements in existing law so that Medicaid beneficiaries do not lose access to health care because they are unable to comply with these unworkable requirements," said Senator Akaka.

Dear Friends,

Ed Case rashly asserted on Hawaii Public Radio recently that the only reason Senator Akaka supports the Jones Act's requirements that U.S. ships carry cargo between Hawaii and the mainland is because Senator Akaka has been "bought off" by the American maritime industry. "It is really from my perspective a pretty ugly story," Case says of Senator Akaka's position.

As the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over the Jones Act, I am compelled to respond to Ed Case's latest negative attacks. The Jones Act has served the State of Hawaii well. We enjoy high quality, regularly scheduled service.

While Ed Case Votes For Bush's Status Quo

Senator Daniel K. Akaka today voted to begin a phased withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq, supporting two amendments offered to the Department of Defense Authorization Bill.

"We are far past the time for a clear and definite exit strategy for Iraq. The Bush Administration's policy of no plan, no end is a failure and offers no incentive for the Iraqi people to work towards a safe, secure, united country. Unless and until Iraqis are truly responsible for determining their own future, we will continue to squander both American and Iraqi lives and resources. Political phrases like "cut and run" cannot disguise the fact that President Bush has no plan or strategy to end this war."

Senator Akaka on the Floor of the U.S. Senate (October 10, 2002)

Mr. Akaka: Mr. President, I rise to express my support for a resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq. I do so with two cardinal prerequisites: first, that all possible means be exhausted short of war to enforce United Nations resolutions concerning Iraq and, second, that any attack against Iraq take place as part of an international coalition. That is why I am pleased to cosponsor the amendment offered by my colleague from Michigan, Mr. Levin, the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee.

Before the United States wages war against Iraq, President Bush and the Congress owe it to the young Americans who face death or injury in that conflict to ensure that every effort has been made to obtain our ends without endangering them. Every ounce of preparation must be taken to ensure a swift and efficient outcome should war become necessary. As another President, Herbert Hoover, once said, "Older men declare war. But it is youth that must fight and die." The burden is on our leaders to justify why young men and women need to risk their future now.