November 21, 2011 In this MegaVote for Hawaii's 1st & 2nd Congressional Districts: 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......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Daniel Akaka voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

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......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Mazie Hirono voted NO......send e-mail or see bio 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......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Mazie Hirono voted YES......send e-mail or see bio 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......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Mazie Hirono voted NO......send e-mail or see bio