Scientists who want to study the remains of the 9,000-year-old Kennewick Man are objecting to a bill by Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) to amend the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

The scientists say adding two words to the definition of "Native American" will allow tribes to claim remains to which they bear no relation. But staff for McCain, Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Oregon) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) say it won't affect Kennewick Man and will still require tribes to prove a cultural connection.

The amendment is part of a technical corrections bill that was approved by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee last month. It could go for a voice vote on the Senate floor within a couple of weeks.

Get the Story:
Scientists again protest Senate bill to change Indian graves law (AP 4/8)

Get the Bill:
S.536: Technical Corrections Act

Court Decision:
BONNICHSEN v. US (February 4, 2004)

Relevant Links:
Kennewick Man, Department of Interior - http://www.cr.nps.gov/aad/kennewick
Friends of America's Past - http://www.friendsofpast.org
Kennewick Man Virtual Interpretive Center, The Tri-City (Washington) Herald - http://www.kennewick-man.com

Related Stories:
Panel approves Native Hawaiian, NAGPRA changes (03/10)
NAGPRA change up for Senate consideration again (3/9)
Tribes seek role in Kennewick Man proceedings (02/16)
Campbell-backed bill adds two words to NAGPRA (10/1)
Battle over Kennewick Man study far from over (08/02)
Editorial: Let Kennewick Man speak! (say what?) (07/22)
Column: Kennewick Man belongs to everyone (7/21)
Tribes to seek restrictions on Kennewick Man study (7/20)
Tribes drop Kennewick Man claim in court (7/20)
Repatriation process criticized at Senate hearing (07/15)
Editorial: It's about time Kennewick Man case ends (04/29)
Tribes debate next step in Kennewick Man case (04/27)
Kennewick rehearing denied (4/21)
Court rules scientists can study Kennewick Man (02/05)
Kennewick Man battle back in court (9/8)
Tribes file opening brief in Kennewick Man case (03/19)
Appeals court asked to stop Kennewick Man tests (01/23)
Norton treads uncharted waters over remains (4/11)