March 26, 2012 – In this MegaVote for Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District:
Recent Congressional Votes
Senate: Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act
House: Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011
Upcoming Congressional Bills
Senate: Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act
Senate: 21st Century Postal Service Act of 2011
House: Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012
House: 2013 budget resolution
Recent Senate Votes
Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act – Vote Passed (73-26, 1 Not Voting)
This bill would ease reporting and regulatory requirements for small businesses trying to raise capital in order to take the company public. The House passed the bill on March 8, 2012. The Senate adopted an amendment to the bill which will require the House to vote again. It is expected the House will pass the bill this week and send the bill to the president.
- Sen. Daniel Inouye voted YES
- Sen. Daniel Akaka voted NO
Recent House Votes
Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (223-181, 4 Present, 23 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill that would eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) and cap damages in medical malpractice lawsuits. IPAB was created by the 2010 health care law and is charged with finding savings in Medicare spending. It has no members yet. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill.
- Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted NO
- Rep. Mazie Hirono voted NO
Upcoming Votes
Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act – S.2204
This Senate bill would eliminate tax breaks for the oil and gas industry.
21st Century Postal Service Act of 2011 – S.1789
The Senate is scheduled to hold a test vote on this bill to overhaul the U.S. Postal Service.
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012 – H.R.4239
The House is scheduled to take up a 90-day transportation bill in order to give congressional leaders time to work out a long-term bill.
2013 budget resolution – H.CON.RES
Later this week, the House will take up its fiscal 2013 budget proposal.