Audio: House Resources Committee opens markup

Politics | Recognition

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Update: The committee returned at 2:18pm. Audio files from earlier parts are below.
After considering the first five bills, the committee went into a recess at 12:48pm for votes on the House floor. The committee will resume with the Native Hawaiian bill.

• Part 1 | Indian Arts and Crafts | Other Bills | GOP Maneuvers

The House Natural Resources Committee is holding an open markup session this morning.

The markup started at 10am with some controversy over H.R.2314, a bill to extend the policy of self-determination to Native Hawaiians. Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Washington), the ranking member of the committee, said Republicans "intend to use all of the resources that we have" to stop the bill.

Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) brushed aside criticism that Republicans haven't been allowed input on the measure. But he noted a last-minute letter from Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle (R), written by Attorney General Mark Bennett, that raised objections to a substitute amendment that is due to be considered today.

Lingle and her administration supports recognition but she has concerns about the relationship the state would have with a Native Hawaiian governing organization, according to the letter.

The committee went into recess around 10:30am for some votes on the House floor. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-West Virginia), the chairman, said the first five bills on the agenda -- including H.R. 725, a bill to strengthen the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 -- are non-controversial.

The Native Hawaiian bill will be considered after the other five bills, Rahall said.

Committee Notice
Full Committee Markup (December 16, 2009)

Also Today:
Hawaii governor opposes Akaka bill revisions (The Honolulu Advertiser 12/16)
Lingle fights Akaka Bill changes (AP 12/16)
Native Hawaiian bill poised to pass 2 committees (AP 12/16)