How they voted
Advertiser Staff
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Here's 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. Mine Safety Bill
The House voted 214-199 Wednesday for legislation aimed at increasing safety requirements in mines. The bill would raise air-quality standards, give the Mine Safety and Health Administration greater authority and speed up the timetable for wireless communication devices to be installed in mines. The White House has threatened to veto the bill, which now goes to the Senate.
Hawai'i votes:
Neil Abercrombie (D) YEA
Mazie K. Hirono (D) YEA
2. Hope VI Bill
The House voted 271-130 Thursday to pass an eight-year renewal of the HOPE VI grant program that would authorize $800 million a year to repair and rebuild run-down public housing. The measure also includes protections for tenant rights and a replacement program for buildings scheduled for demolition. The White House has attempted to cut the program but has not threatened a veto. The bill now goes to the Senate.
Hawai'i votes:
Neil Abercrombie (D) YEA
Mazie K. Hirono (D) YEA
KEY SENATE VOTES
The Senate was not in session.
WHAT'S AHEAD
The Senate returns Tuesday with legislation to reauthorize federal healthcare programs for American Indians before taking up a bill to overhaul the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which expires on Feb. 1. The Senate is also expected to pass a revised 2008 defense authorization bill after the president wouldn't sign it in December. A short week in the House will see another showdown over the State Children's Health Insurance Program in which House Democrats will try to override the president's veto for a second time.