In this MegaVote for Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District:
Recent Congressional Votes
Senate: Cloture Motion, Defense Authorization Act
House: Continuing Resolution
House: DREAM Act
Upcoming Congressional Bills
Senate: Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010
Recent Senate Votes
Cloture Motion, Defense Authorization Act – Vote Rejected (57-40, 3 Not Voting)
The Senate fell short of the 60 votes needed to move forward on this bill authorizing defense expenditures for the 2011 fiscal year. The bill included a provision that would have repealed the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law. The bill is unlikely to move forward if it includes the “don’t ask” provision. This will be the first time in 49 years a defense authorization bill has not been cleared.
Sen. Daniel Inouye voted YES
Sen. Daniel Akaka voted YES
Recent House Votes
Continuing Resolution – Vote Passed (212-206, 16 Not Voting)
The House passed a long-term continuing resolution to fund government operations through the end of fiscal year 2011 at fiscal year 2010 levels. The overall funding would remain $1.09 trillion, but billions of dollars in program funding would shift. The bill would also include an overhaul of food safety laws and expand Food and Drug Administration enforcement powers. It is unclear at this time whether the Senate will take up this measure. The current continuing resolution expires December 18, 2010.
Rep. Charles Djou voted NO
Rep. Mazie Hirono voted YES
DREAM Act – Vote Passed (216-198, 20 Not Voting)
The House passed this measure that would provide a path to legal status for certain undocumented children brought into the U.S. illegally by their parents. Shortly before the vote, the House voted to replace the language of a bill further along in the legislative process with the language of the DREAM Act. The Senate may take up the bill the week of December 13.
Rep. Charles Djou voted YES
Rep. Mazie Hirono voted YES
Upcoming Votes
Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010 – H.R.4853
This bill is being used as the vehicle to extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. The Senate is scheduled to begin procedural votes this week.