In this MegaVote for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District:
Recent Congressional Votes
Senate: Secret Holds Elimination
House: Non-Security Discretionary Spending Limit
House: Presidential Campaign Fund Termination
Upcoming Congressional Bills
Senate: FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act
Editor’s Note: The House is in recess until Tuesday, February 8, 2011.
Recent Senate Votes
Secret Holds Elimination – Vote Agreed to (92-4, 4 Not Voting)
The Senate spent much of the week debating procedural rules. One of the rule changes the chamber passed was this one that ends the practice of “secret holds,” where a senator anonymously blocks legislation or a nomination. The rule change requires a senator to notify his or her party leader within 2 days of placing a hold.
- Sen. Daniel Inouye voted Not Voting
- Sen. Daniel Akaka voted YES
Recent House Votes
Non-Security Discretionary Spending Limit – Vote Passed (256-165, 13 Not Voting)
The House approved this resolution directing the chair of the Budget Committee to reduce non-security spending to 2008 levels for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year. The Budget Committee sets spending levels but does not appropriate funds. The continuing resolution currently funding government operations expires on March 4, 2011.
- Rep. Mazie Hirono voted NO
- Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted NO
Presidential Campaign Fund Termination – Vote Passed (239-160, 35 Not Voting)
The House voted to end a program put in place in 1976 that provides taxpayer funds to presidential candidates and the major parties for their nominating conventions. The bill’s future in the Senate is unclear.
- Rep. Mazie Hirono voted NO
- Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted NO
Upcoming Votes
FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act – S.223
The Senate is scheduled to take up this bill reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration.
See https://www.congress.org/congressorg/megavote/ for more reports like this.