Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), the current chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, joined former Sen. Slade Gorton (R-Washington), a noted foe of tribal interests, in voting against an apology resolution for Native Hawaiians.

The Weekly Standard said McCain and Gorton were among a group of 34 senators, mostly Republicans, who opposed the 1993 resolution. The measure apologized for the overthrow of the Native Hawaiian government.

McCain has since voiced concerns about a bill to recognize a Native Hawaiian governing entity. He did not block the bill from moving out of the Indian Affairs Committee, however.

The bill is now scheduled for debate in the first week of June. Some conservative Republicans have spoken out against the measure, citing the recent U.S. Civil Rights Commission report that recommended against its passage.

Arlan Melendez, the chairman of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and a Congressionally-appointed member of the commission, voted against the report.

Get the Story:
The Natives Are Restless (The Weekly Standard 5/27)
Note: Subscription required to read the full article.
Native Hawaiians Seek Right to Self-Govern (AP 5/29)
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Civil Rights Commission Report:
The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2005 (May 2006)

Civil Rights Commission Transcript:
January 20, 2006 Meeting

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

Rice v. Cayetano Resources:
Abstract, Audio and More

Rice v. Cayetano Election Rights Decision:
Syllabus | Opinion | Concurrence Dissent (Stevens) | Dissent (Ginsburg)

Senate Republican Policy Paper:
Why Congress Must Reject Race-Based Government for Native Hawaiians (June 2005)

Relevant Links:
US Commission on Civil Rights - http://www.usccr.gov
Native Hawaiian Sovereignty Site - http://www.hawaii-nation.org
Native Hawaiian Federal Recognition Site - http://www.nativehawaiians.com

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