Republicans offered to support the Native Hawaiian recognition bill if Democrat Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka voted for the energy bill, The Hill newspaper reports.

Back in 2003, Republicans were trying to force the energy bill to an up or down vote. They needed 60 votes to pass a cloture motion so they asked Inouye and Akaka for their support.

The deal was approved by the White House and GOP leaders, The Hill reports. President Bush called Inouye on the energy bill but it isn't known what he offered. The bill eventually passed in 2005.

Fast forward to 2006, when Inouye and Akaka needed 60 votes to force an up or down vote on the Native Hawaiian bill. They fell four votes short when the cloture motion was called. A total of 41 Senators -- all Republicans -- voted no [Votes: On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S. 147]

Get the Story:
Native Hawaiian bill gets close, again (The Hill 6/14)

Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill:
Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2005 (S.147)

Civil Rights Commission Report:
The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2005 (May 2006)

Civil Rights Commission Transcript:
January 20, 2006 Meeting

Relevant Links:
Office of Hawaiian Affairs - http://www.oha.org

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