September 21, 2015

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

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Iran Nuclear Agreement Disapproval Resolution ‘Shell’-- Cloture
• House: Frivolous Lawsuit Sanctions
• House: Planned Parenthood Funding Moratorium -- Passage
• House: Failed Abortions -- Passage

Upcoming Congressional Bills

• Senate: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
• House: Quarterly Financial Report Reauthorization Act
• House: Responsibly and Professionally Invigorating Development (RAPID) Act

Recent Senate Votes

Iran Nuclear Agreement Disapproval Resolution ‘Shell’-- Cloture - Vote Rejected (56-42, 2 Not Voting)

The Senate rejected a motion to invoke cloture on the McConnell, R-Ky., substitute amendment no. 2640, that would replace the measure with a joint resolution that would disapprove of the nuclear agreement reached with Iran by the United States and five other nations that was transmitted by the president to Congress on July 19, 2015, for purposes of prohibiting any waiver or suspension of statutory sanctions by the United States pursuant to the agreement.

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

Recent House Votes

Frivolous Lawsuit Sanctions - Vote Passed (241-185, 8 Not Voting)

The House passed a bill that would change federal rules governing civil lawsuits to require federal courts to impose sanctions on parties that file frivolous civil lawsuits. The sanctions would need to include monetary payments to the other party to cover the other party's attorney fees and costs. The bill also would eliminate the so-called "safe harbor" clause by removing the ability of parties to withdraw or correct claims considered frivolous within 21 days of filing.

Rep. Mark Takai voted NO

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard voted NO

Planned Parenthood Funding Moratorium -- Passage - Vote Passed (241-187, 1 Present, 5 Not Voting)

The House passed a bill that would bar, for one year, federal funding for Planned Parenthood and its affiliates unless they certify that, during that period, they will not perform abortions or provide funds to other entities that perform abortions. The prohibition would apply to all federal funds, including Medicaid. The bill would provide exceptions for abortions provided in the case of rape, incest, or threat to the life of the mother.

Rep. Mark Takai voted NO

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard voted NO

Failed Abortions -- Passage - Vote Passed (248-177, 1 Present, 8 Not Voting)

The House passed a bill that would require health care practitioners to give the same level of care to an infant born alive during a failed abortion as they would give to any other infant born at the same gestational age. The bill also would require health care practitioners to ensure that these infants are immediately sent to a hospital.

Rep. Mark Takai voted NO

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard voted NO

Upcoming Votes

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - HR36

The Senate is expected to consider a motion to proceed to HR 36, a bill that would ban most abortions after 20 weeks.

Quarterly Financial Report Reauthorization Act - HR3116

The bill would extend by 15 years the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to conduct the quarterly financial report program.

Responsibly and Professionally Invigorating Development (RAPID) Act - HR348

The bill would provide for improved coordination of agency actions in the preparation and adoption of environmental documents for permitting determinations, and for other purposes.