November 21, 2011
In this MegaVote for Hawaii’s 1st and 2nd Congressional District:
Recent Congressional Votes
- Senate: Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations
- House: National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011
- House: Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations
- House: Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States
Editor’s Note: The Senate and House are in recess this week.
Recent Senate Votes
Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations – Vote Agreed to (70-30)
The Senate gave final approval to this “minibus” spending bill that combines the 2012 fiscal year Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation-HUD appropriations bills. The bill also contains a continuing resolution to keep the rest of the government funded through December 16. The president signed the bill into law the next day. The nine remaining annual appropriations bills may be combined into one bill after the Thanksgiving recess.
- Sen. Daniel Inouye voted YES
- Sen. Daniel Akaka voted YES
Recent House Votes
National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 – Vote Passed (272-154, 7 Not Voting)
This House bill would allow citizens with a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun across state lines. The bill’s future in the Senate is unclear.
- Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted NO
- Rep. Mazie Hirono voted NO
Fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations – Vote Passed (298-121, 14 Not Voting)
The House passed the conference report for this “minibus” spending bill that combines the 2012 fiscal year Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation-HUD appropriations bills. The bill also contains a continuing resolution to keep the rest of the government funded through December 16. The Senate passed the bill later in the day, clearing it for the president. The nine remaining annual appropriations bills may be combined into one bill after the Thanksgiving recess.
- Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted YES
- Rep. Mazie Hirono voted YES
Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States – Vote Failed (261-165, 8 Not Voting)
The House fell 23 votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass this balanced-budget constitutional amendment. Under the terms of the August debt limit law, both chambers are required to consider a balanced-budget amendment by the end of 2011. The Senate is expected to consider the proposal in December.
- Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted NO
- Rep. Mazie Hirono voted NO