September 12, 2011 In this MegaVote for Hawaii's 1st & 2nd Congressional Districts: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Leahy-Smith America Invents Act Senate: Motion to Proceed; Debt limit disapproval House: Intelligence Authorization Act, FY 2012 Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: Surface and Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011 House: Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act House: Protecting Jobs From Government Interference Act

Recent Senate Votes

Leahy-Smith America Invents Act - Vote Passed (89-9, 2 Not Voting) The Senate gave final approval to this bill that would change the way patents are awarded from “first to invent” to “first to file.” The overhaul is intended to speed up the process of awarding patents. The House passed the bill in June. President Obama is expected to sign it into law. Sen. Daniel Inouye voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Daniel Akaka voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Motion to Proceed; Debt limit disapproval - Vote Rejected (45-52, 3 Not Voting) The Senate rejected this motion to take up a resolution that would have disapproved a $500 billion debt limit increase. Under the budget law enacted on August 2, the debt limit was increase by $400 billion. A second increase of $500 billion will take effect unless Congress passes a disapproval measure. Sen. Daniel Inouye voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Daniel Akaka voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Intelligence Authorization Act, FY 2012 - Vote Passed (384-14, 33 Not Voting) This House bill would authorize spending for the 16 intelligence agencies in the upcoming fiscal year. The cost of the bill is classified. The Senate is expected to take up the bill later this year. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Mazie Hirono voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Surface and Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011 - H.R.__ Both chambers are expected to work on bills to extend authorizations for the Federal Aviation Administration and highway funding. Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act - H.R.2218 This House bill would encourage the expansion and replication of successful charter school models. Protecting Jobs From Government Interference Act - H.R.2587 The House may take up this bill that would limit the authority of the National Labor Relations Board to rule on issues of where a company locates its facilities.