WASHINGTON -- Congressional lawmakers have taken up a controversial bill defining the political relationship between Native Hawaiians and the federal government.

The House Resources Committee, which deals with native issues unanimously passed the measure known as the Akaka bill, introduced by Sen. Daniel Akaka. It is not known when the bill will be scheduled for a full floor vote in the House, but it's likely Congress will go into overtime.

It is in the Senate where the bill has run into the most trouble. Political squabbling over a procedural move stalled the measure earlier this summer. It has passed a House floor vote in previous years.

The Akaka bill would, among other things, help protect the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Hawaiian Homelands program, proponents said.

Congress has only a month remaining before it adjourns. So, there isn't much time if the legislation is to see a floor vote in both houses.