How Hawai'i Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Mazie K. Hirono and Sens. Daniel Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye voted in key legislation last week.

KEY HOUSE VOTES

1. Affordable Housing Trust Act

By a vote of 264-148, the House passed legislation Wednesday that would create a trust to build 1.5 million housing units for low-income families over the next decade. White House advisers have recommended a veto because they see the program as duplicating existing ones. The bill now moves to the Senate.

Hawai'i votes:

Neil Abercrombie (D) YEA
Mazie K. Hirono (D) YEA

2. Tax Collection Responsibility

The House voted 232-173 Wednesday for a bill that would eliminate an IRS program that uses private companies to collect taxpayer debt. Prospects in the Senate are not good and the White House has threatened a veto because the program brings in revenue.

Hawai'i votes:

Neil Abercrombie (D) YEA
Mazie K. Hirono (D) YEA

KEY SENATE VOTES

The Senate was not in session this week.

WHAT'S AHEAD

The House will have two major floor votes next week. Lawmakers will vote on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which would establish new rules designed to protect civil liberties while also allowing surveillance of terrorism suspects. The House is also expected to attempt to override President Bush's veto of the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

The Senate returns tomorrow from a weeklong break to resume consideration of the 2008 spending bill for the U.S. Commerce and Justice Departments and other agencies.

The Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold the confirmation hearing Wednesday for Michael Mukasey, the president's U.S. attorney general nominee.