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. Emergency Supplemental War Spending

The House voted 268-155 Thursday for a $161.8 billion supplemental spending bill for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill, which would fund the wars through next summer, also includes funds for domestic programs such as veterans' education benefits, an unemployment insurance extension, and for the flooding in the Midwest. The Senate is expected to vote next week.

Hawai'i votes:

Neil Abercrombie (D) NAY

Mazie K. Hirono (D) NAY

2. Federal Employee Parental Leave Act

The House voted 278-146 Thursday to allow federal employees four to eight weeks of paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Under the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act, workers are eligible for 12 weeks of unpaid leave. The bill fell five votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto that has been threatened by the president. No action is scheduled in the Senate as of now.

Hawai'i votes:

Neil Abercrombie (D) YEA

Mazie K. Hirono (D) YEA

3. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Amendment

The House voted 293-129 Friday to revise the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to protect telecom companies from lawsuits arising from the government's warrantless wiretapping programs. Lawsuits brought in the six years of the wiretapping program would be dismissed based on presidential orders to telecom companies allowing the surveillance on the grounds of national security. The bill goes to the Senate, where it is expected to pass.

Hawai'i votes:

Neil Abercrombie (D) NAY

Mazie K. Hirono (D) NAY

KEY SENATE VOTES

There were no key Senate votes this week.

WHAT'S AHEAD

The Senate starts with a bill that would expand the Federal Housing Administration's insurance programs and overhaul lending giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The Senate will also take up the supplemental spending bill for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a measure to overhaul the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act regarding wiretapping. The House may clarify the definition of "disabled" in the American Disabilities Act and vote on a one-year patch to the alternative minimum tax. A number of energy-related bills could also come up.