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. HARDROCK MINING AND RECLAMATION ACT

The House voted 244-166 on Thursday to impose new regulations on the mining of "hardrock" minerals such as gold, silver and copper. Royalties on existing and new mines on federal property would have to be paid to the government by mining companies, which currently pay nothing in royalties, unlike the coal and petroleum industries.

Hawai'i votes:

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

2. TRADE AND GLOBALIZATION ASSISTANCE ACT

The House voted 264-157 on Wednesday to reauthorize the Trade Adjustment Assistance program despite a veto threat from the White House. The bill would expand the program that protects workers who have lost their jobs to foreign competition. The measure would add more categories of workers to those eligible for retraining, financial aid and healthcare plans. It must still be considered by the Senate.

Hawai'i votes:

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

KEY SENATE VOTES

1. STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM

The Senate voted 64-30 on Wednesday to again expand the program for health coverage of low-income children in the face of a second veto promise from the White House. The $60 billion measure would expand the program from $35 billion over the next five years and would add an estimated 4 million uninsured children to the program. The bill would be financed by raising tobacco taxes.

Hawai'i Votes:

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

WHAT'S AHEAD

The Senate is expected to spend much of the week on the $283 billion farm bill. The House schedule includes tax legislation, a trade agreement with Peru and an insurance bill protecting homeowners in the event of a natural disaster. The House may also try to override the president's veto of a bill to fund water projects.