Akaka Bill Passes, Again

The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007, a.k.a. the Akaka Bill, was passed by the U.S. House this morning, 261-153. Numerologists take note, it was the 1,000th vote taken by the 110th Congress. “Today’s House action provides great momentum in our effort to extend federal recognition to Hawaii’s indigenous peoples,” said the bill’s author, Sen. Daniel Akaka, in a statement. “I was thrilled to see bipartisan support for this long-needed legislation that underscores our ongoing efforts toward reconciliation across our islands.”

Today’s vote was actually the second time the Akaka Bill got the stamp of approval in the House, but it died in the Senate last year when Republicans blocked it from reaching the floor. This year’s Congress, which brings a slim majority of Democrats in the Senate, has Akaka Bill supporters hopeful.

Even if the bill is passed by the Senate, however, it faces a veto at the hands of President Bush.