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. FAA Reauthorization

The House voted 267-151 Thursday to reauthorize funding for the Federal Aviation Administration for four more years at $68 billion. The measure would require airlines to submit plans to deal with complaints of passengers stranded on planes for extended periods and would increase funding to address air traffic congestion. The Senate is still working on its version of the bill. The White House has threatened a veto, in part because of a proposed increase in the jet fuel tax.

Hawai'i votes:

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

KEY SENATE VOTES

1. Troop Leave Amendment

A Senate vote, 56-44, Wednesday fell four votes short of the required 60 to advance a bill that would mandate troops' time off be equal to their combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Six Republicans voted for the amendment while no Democrats voted against and the two independents split.

Hawai'i Votes:

Daniel Akaka (D) YEA
Daniel K. Inouye (D) YEA

2. DETAINEE RIGHTS AMENDMENT

By a procedural vote, 56-43, the Senate rejected an amendment to a defense bill Wednesday that would allow military detainees habeas corpus rights to challenge their imprisonment in court. The amendment was three votes short of the 60 required to stop a filibuster. The Supreme Court will hear a case on the issue in its next term.

Hawai'i Votes:

Daniel Akaka (D) YEA
Daniel K. Inouye (D) YEA

3. D.C. VOTING RIGHTS

The Senate blocked a measure that would give the District of Columbia a vote in the House of Representatives. Tuesday's 57-42 vote was three votes short of the 60 required to end debate and move forward. The House passed the measure in April. The measure is likely dead for the year.

Hawai'i Votes:

Daniel Akaka (D) YEA
Daniel K. Inouye (D) YEA

WHAT'S AHEAD

Both chambers will face votes on a new compromise bill to extend and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which expires Sept. 30. President Bush has threatened to veto the bill as too expensive. Since the fiscal year ends Sept. 30 and none of the 12 fiscal 2008 spending bills has been enacted, Congress will need to vote on continuing resolutions to keep the federal government funded. The House also may take up a bill to protect workers from the chemical that makes microwave popcorn taste buttery and a bill to revamp the national flood insurance program. The Senate may vote on a final water projects bill and send it to the president. It would authorize more than 900 projects for flood control, navigation and environmental restoration. Senate debate is expected to continue on the defense authorization bill.