In this MegaVote for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District:
Recent Congressional Votes
Senate: Leahy-Smith America Invents Act
- Senate: Motion to Proceed; Debt limit disapproval
- House: Intelligence Authorization Act, FY 2012
Upcoming Congressional Bills
- Senate: Surface and Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011
- House: Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act
- House: Protecting Jobs From Government Interference Act
Recent Senate Votes
Leahy-Smith America Invents Act – Vote Passed (89-9, 2 Not Voting)
The Senate gave final approval to this bill that would change the way patents are awarded from “first to invent” to “first to file.” The overhaul is intended to speed up the process of awarding patents. The House passed the bill in June. President Obama is expected to sign it into law.
- Sen. Daniel Inouye voted YES
- Sen. Daniel Akaka voted YES
Motion to Proceed; Debt limit disapproval – Vote Rejected (45-52, 3 Not Voting)
The Senate rejected this motion to take up a resolution that would have disapproved a $500 billion debt limit increase. Under the budget law enacted on August 2, the debt limit was increase by $400 billion. A second increase of $500 billion will take effect unless Congress passes a disapproval measure.
- Sen. Daniel Inouye voted NO
- Sen. Daniel Akaka voted NO
Recent House Votes
Intelligence Authorization Act, FY 2012 – Vote Passed (384-14, 33 Not Voting)
This House bill would authorize spending for the 16 intelligence agencies in the upcoming fiscal year. The cost of the bill is classified. The Senate is expected to take up the bill later this year.
- Rep. Mazie Hirono voted YES
- Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted YESUpcoming Votes
Surface and Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011
Both chambers are expected to work on bills to extend authorizations for the Federal Aviation Administration and highway funding.
Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act – H.R.2218
This House bill would encourage the expansion and replication of successful charter school models.
Protecting Jobs From Government Interference Act – H.R.2587
The House may take up this bill that would limit the authority of the National Labor Relations Board to rule on issues of where a company locates its facilities.