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. Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act

By a vote of 276-151, a bill to try to reduce speculation in the energy futures market fell short of the two-thirds majority required for House passage Wednesday. Democrats saw 13 Republicans change their votes to "no" at the last minute.

Hawai'i votes:

Neil Abercrombie (D) YEA

Mazie K. Hirono (D) YEA

2. Paycheck Fairness Act

The House voted 247-178 Thursday to lift the cap on damages that can be awarded to women for wage discrimination cases. The bill also makes it easier for women paid less than men for equal work to bring wage discrimination suits.

Hawai'i votes:

NEIL ABERCROMBIE (D) YEA MAZIE K. HIRONO (D) YEA

Neil Abercrombie (D) YEA

Mazie K. Hirono (D) YEA

3. Higher Education Act Overhaul

The House voted 380-49 Thursday to pass its first significant long-term overhaul of the Federal Higher Education bill in a decade. The bill increases Pell Grants for low-income students over six years and creates a $10,000 loan-forgiveness program for graduates taking jobs in high-need areas like nursing.

Hawai'i votes:

Neil Abercrombie (D) YEA

Mazie K. Hirono (D) YEA

KEY SENATE VOTES

1. Media Shield Law

By a procedural vote of 51-43, the Senate failed Wednesday to gain the 60 votes needed to bring to a floor vote a federal media shield law to protect journalists from having to reveal their sources. Who was defined as a journalist and would benefit from the law was a sticking point for critics.

Hawai'i Votes:

Daniel Akaka (D) YEA

Daniel K. Inouye (D) YEA

WHAT'S AHEAD

Congress takes a five-week summer recess, leaving behind energy legislation and other measures aimed at lowering the cost of gasoline for when it returns..