Washington Week
Gannett News Service
WASHINGTON — Here are some actions in Congress last week.
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Key House votes
1. Unborn victims
The House on Thursday passed, 254-163, a bill that would designate a fetus as a legal victim when it is injured or killed during the commission of a federal crime against a pregnant woman. A yea vote was to pass the bill.
Hawai'i votes: Neil Abercrombie (D) NAY; Ed Case (D) NAY
Key Senate votes
1. Medical malpractice
The Senate on Tuesday rejected, 48-45, an attempt to begin debate on a bill that would curb medical malpractice damages against obstetricians and gynecologists. Sixty votes were needed to proceed. A yea vote was to begin debate.
Hawai'i votes: Daniel Akaka (D) NAY; Dan Inouye (D) NAY
2. Gun liability
The Senate on Wednesday voted 75-22 to proceed to a debate on a bill that would protect gun manufacturers and distributors against lawsuits over gun crimes. Sixty votes were needed to proceed. A yea vote was to begin debate.
Hawai'i votes: Daniel Akaka (D) NAY; Dan Inouye (D) NAY
3. Child safety locks
The Senate on Thursday voted 70-27 on an amendment to a gun liability bill that would require all handguns sold in the United States to have child safety locks.
Hawai'i votes: Daniel Akaka (D) YEA; Dan Inouye (D) YEA
