WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats' decision today to keep Sen. Joe Lieberman as chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee means Sen. Dan Akaka is expected to remain chairman of the Senate Veterans Affair Committee in the upcoming Congress.

Akaka, D-Hawai`i, was in line to become Homeland Security chairman if the position became open.

Lieberman, I-Conn., who caucuses with Democrats, had been under attack for his support of the Republican presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

But the Democratic caucus voted 42-13 to keep Lieberman in the job while condemning statements he made during the campaign.

"It was a secret ballot, and the vote came out in favor of permitting my friend, Lieberman, to continue as chairman," Akaka said. "He expressed future support to our caucus, which is something we need."

Akaka also chairs subcommittees on four Senate committees — armed services; banking housing and urban affairs; energy and natural resources; and homeland security.

Senate Democrats also decided today to delay official announcements of committee chairmanships until after Senate elections in Alaska, Georgia and Minnesota are decided.

That means Sen. Daniel K. Inouye's move to chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced last week, is still unofficial, although certain. Inouye, who also supported Lieberman, will have to give up his Senate Commerce Committee chairmanship to take the new position.

Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai`i, expects to remain chairman of the House Armed Services air and land forces subcommittee and as a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee.

"I'm in an ideal position to watch out for the best interests of Hawai`i as Congress addresses our national security, our energy future and the protection of our environment," Abercrombie said.

Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai`i, also is expected to retain her seats on the House education and labor, transportation and infrastructure, and small business committees. But House Democrats are still discussing their reorganization for the next Congress, and changes are possible.

Meanwhile, The Associated Press reported Akaka could lose the helm of two subcommittees if Democrats win undecided Senate races.

An Akaka spokesman today said Senate Democratic leaders are discussing a rule change to bar members from heading more than one committee and subcommittee if Democrats in Minnesota, Alaska and Georgia win undecided Senate races. Akaka now heads one committee and three subcommittees.