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. Labor, Education and Health and Human Services Spending

The House on Thursday passed, 276-140, a $607 billion spending measure to fund the Labor, Education and Health and Human Services departments for the next year. Democrats were able to defeat Republican amendments barring federal funding to abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood. The president has threatened a veto because the bill is $10.8 billion more than his request. The measure now goes to the Senate.

HAWAI'I VOTES:

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

KEY SENATE VOTES

1. Iraq Troop Withdrawal

By a procedural vote of 52-47, the Senate fell short on Wednesday of the 60 votes needed to advance legislation that called for a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq by April 2008. Four Republicans voted with Democrats to cut off debate and allow a vote on the measure. The House has passed similar legislation despite a veto threat from the White House.

HAWAI'I VOTES:

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

2. College Financial Aid Increase

On Friday, the Senate passed, 78-18, legislation that would increase financial aid for college students who receive grants and provide greater disclosure for students with loans. The measure would raise the amount of a Pell grant to $5,400 by 2011.

HAWAI'I VOTES:

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

WHAT'S AHEAD

The Senate starts with the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, which handles financial aid programs, before taking up the $37.2 billion Homeland Security appropriations bill. The House continues with appropriations bills and will open with the $104 billion Transportation and Housing and Urban Development bill.

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