May 16, 2011 In this MegaVote for Hawaii's 1st & 2nd Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Cloture Motion; James M. Cole to be Deputy Attorney General House: Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act House: Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act House: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act Editor's Note: The House is in recess until Monday, May 23.

Recent Senate Votes

Cloture Motion; James M. Cole to be Deputy Attorney General - Vote Rejected (50-40, 10 Not Voting) The Senate fell short of the 60 votes needed to end debate and move to a final vote on the nomination of James M. Cole to be deputy attorney general. Cole was given a recess appointment in December 2010. 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

Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act - Vote Passed (263-163, 5 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would expedite the permitting process for lessees seeking to drill for oil and natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico. The Interior Department would be required to review applications within 30 days, with the option of extending the review period to 60 days. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Mazie Hirono voted NO ......send e-mail or see bio Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act - Vote Passed (243-179, 9 Not Voting) This House bill would require the Interior Department to open certain unused areas of the Outer Continental Shelf for oil and natural gas drilling. The bill is unlikely to advance in the Senate. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Mazie Hirono voted NO ......send e-mail or see bio Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Vote Passed (392-15, 24 Not Voting) The House approved this bill authorizing intelligence-related programs for the current fiscal year. Funding levels authorized for the 16 intelligence gathering agencies are classified, but it is estimated to be around $80 billion. The Senate version of the bill is currently at a standstill. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Mazie Hirono voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act - S.940 The Senate is expected to vote this week on a bill to end some tax breaks for oil companies that gross over $1 billion.