Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Washington), the ranking Republican on the House Natural Resources Committee, said the House might vote next week on H.R.2314, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009.

Hastings tried to stop the bill at the committee level, citing constitutional concerns. He and other Republicans claim the bill will create a "race-based" government.

The bill extends the policy of self-determination to Native Hawaiians. It creates a process by which a Native Hawaiian governing entity would be created and approved by the Interior Department.

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee approved S.1011, its version of the bill, in December.

Get the Story:
Press Release: House Expected to Vote Next Week on Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill (Rep Hastings 2/17)

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