In this MegaVote for Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District:
Recent Congressional Votes
- House: Patent Infringement Reform – Passage
Upcoming Congressional Bills
- Senate: Fiscal 2014 Defense Authorization
- House: Fiscal 2014 Budget
Recent House Votes
Patent Infringement Reform – Passage – Vote Passed (325-91, 15 Not Voting)
In the last vote of the week, the House passed legislation on Friday that would change how patent infringement lawsuits are conducted in an attempt to reduce the actions of “patent trolls,” individuals or companies who acquire patents primarily to sue others for infringement. The bill would require plaintiffs to provide detailed information when filing lawsuits including how the accused is violating the patent. The bill passed with bipartisan support. 195 Republicans and 130 Democrats voted in favor of the legislation that is supported by the Obama administration. The Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Democrat Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont, has already scheduled a hearing on a similar version on December 17.
Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted YES
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard voted YES
Upcoming Votes
Fiscal 2014 Defense Authorization – S.1197
The Senate will consider legislation to authorize defense programs for fiscal 2014.
Fiscal 2014 Budget – H.CON.RES.25
The House may vote on a bill to establish a federal budget for fiscal 2014, depending on whether or not the budget conference committee meets its December 13 deadline.