May 16, 2011 – In this MegaVote for Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District:
Recent Congressional Votes
Senate: Cloture Motion; James M. Cole to be Deputy Attorney General
House: Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act
House: Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act
House: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011
Upcoming Congressional Bills
Senate: Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act
Editor’s Note: The House is in recess until Monday, May 23.
Recent Senate Votes
Cloture Motion; James M. Cole to be Deputy Attorney General – Vote Rejected (50-40, 10 Not Voting)
The Senate fell short of the 60 votes needed to end debate and move to a final vote on the nomination of James M. Cole to be deputy attorney general. Cole was given a recess appointment in December 2010.
- Sen. Daniel Inouye voted YES
- Sen. Daniel Akaka voted YES
Recent House Votes
Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act – Vote Passed (263-163, 5 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill that would expedite the permitting process for lessees seeking to drill for oil and natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico. The Interior Department would be required to review applications within 30 days, with the option of extending the review period to 60 days. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill.
- Rep. Mazie Hirono voted NO
- Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted NO
Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act – Vote Passed (243-179, 9 Not Voting)
This House bill would require the Interior Department to open certain unused areas of the Outer Continental Shelf for oil and natural gas drilling. The bill is unlikely to advance in the Senate.
- Rep. Mazie Hirono voted NO
- Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted NO
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 – Vote Passed (392-15, 24 Not Voting)
The House approved this bill authorizing intelligence-related programs for the current fiscal year. Funding levels authorized for the 16 intelligence gathering agencies are classified, but it is estimated to be around $80 billion. The Senate version of the bill is currently at a standstill.
- Rep. Mazie Hirono voted YES
- Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted YES
Upcoming Votes
Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act – S.940
The Senate is expected to vote this week on a bill to end some tax breaks for oil companies that gross over $1 billion.