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Hawaii Leaders Scramble To Hold Akaka Bill Vote

POSTED: 9:58 am HST July 25, 2005
UPDATED: 5:27 pm HST July 25, 2005

The wheels in Washington were spinning Monday as Hawaii leaders make a big push for the Native Hawaiian Recognition Act on Capitol Hill.

The so-called Akaka Bill would give Native Hawaiians federal recognition just like Native Americans and Native Alaskans.

Sen. Daniel Akaka met with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.

Frist said that there may be an agreement worked out by Tuesday.

Akaka is trying to lift the hold put on the bill by six Republican senators. Some senators want language put into the bill that permanently bans gambling for a new Native Hawaiian government. It is something Akaka is unwilling to do.

If no agreement can be reached, Akaka can file a cloture petition. That's a procedural vote to end debate and force a floor vote. He would need the approval of 60 senators.

If the bill doesn't make it to the Senate floor by the end of the week, it will have to wait until after Congress comes back from recess in September.

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