November 24, 2014

In this MegaVote for Hawaii's 1st & 2nd Congressional Districts:

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Keystone XL Pipeline - Passage
• Senate: Surveillance Authorities - Cloture
• House: EPA Research Standards – Passage

Editor's Note: Both chambers are in recess until Monday, December 10.

Recent Senate Votes

Keystone XL Pipeline - Passage - Vote Failed (59-41)

The Senate rejected a bill that would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL pipeline, including any revision to the pipeline route within Nebraska as required or authorized by the state. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for passage of the bill to 60 votes.

• Sen. Brian Schatz voted NO
• Sen. Mazie Hirono voted NO

Surveillance Authorities - Cloture - Vote Rejected (58-42)

The Senate failed to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to a bill that would prohibit the bulk collection of domestic telephone and Internet metadata by intelligence agencies. It would allow intelligence agencies to query data held by telephone companies if the government can demonstrate the search is needed to fight terrorism.

• Sen. Brian Schatz voted YES
• Sen. Mazie Hirono voted YES

Recent House Votes

EPA Research Standards – Passage - Vote Passed (237-190, 7 Not Voting)

The House voted to pass a bill that would prohibit the EPA from proposing, finalizing or disseminating a rule or other regulatory impact analysis or guidance unless all scientific and technical information used to support the research results is made publicly available and can be independently analyzed and reproduced. It also would clarify that environmental research law does not require the disclosure of information that is prohibited by law.

• Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted NO
• Rep. Tulsi Gabbard voted NO