HOW DID YOUR REPRESENTATIVE VOTE THIS WEEK?

December 9, 2013 In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes House: Patent Infringement Reform – Passage Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: Fiscal 2014 Defense Authorization House: Fiscal 2014 Budget

Recent House Votes

Patent Infringement Reform – Passage - Vote Passed (325-91, 15 Not Voting) In the last vote of the week, the House passed legislation on Friday that would change how patent infringement lawsuits are conducted in an attempt to reduce the actions of “patent trolls,” individuals or companies who acquire patents primarily to sue others for infringement. The bill would require plaintiffs to provide detailed information when filing lawsuits including how the accused is violating the patent. The bill passed with bipartisan support. 195 Republicans and 130 Democrats voted in favor of the legislation that is supported by the Obama administration. The Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Democrat Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont, has already scheduled a hearing on a similar version on December 17. Rep. Mo Brooks voted NO

Upcoming Votes

Fiscal 2014 Defense Authorization - S.1197 The Senate will consider legislation to authorize defense programs for fiscal 2014. Fiscal 2014 Budget - H.CON.RES.25 The House may vote on a bill to establish a federal budget for fiscal 2014, depending on whether or not the budget conference committee meets its December 13 deadline.