Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), the new chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, won't hold back a bill to recognize a Native Hawaiian government.

Last week, McCain said he is opposed to the measure because he said Native Hawaiians were never meant to be granted the same status as Indian tribes. But a spokesperson said he won't block the bill from a committee vote or Senate consideration.

The committee is expected to hold a hearing on the bill and approve it for a full Senate vote. Senate Republicans have promised an up-or-down vote early this year.

Get the Story:
Akaka bill to get Senate vote (The Honolulu Star-Bulletin 1/13)
Akaka bill will get hearing and a vote, key senator says (The Honolulu Advertiser 1/12)

Relevant Links:
Native Hawaiian Sovereignty Site - http://www.hawaii-nation.org
Native Hawaiians, Department of Interior - http://www.doi.gov/nativehawaiians
Native Hawaiian Federal Recognition Site - http://www.nativehawaiians.com

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