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H.R.4904 / 106th Congress

To express the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians, and for other purposes.

Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 893.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 20, 2000

Establishes the Office of Special Trustee for Native Hawaiian Affairs (Office) within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior.(Sec. 5) Requires the Attorney General to designate a Department of Justice official to assist the Office in the implementation and protection of the rights of Native Hawaiians and their political and legal relationship with the United States.(Sec. 6) Establishes the Native Hawaiian Interagency Task Force to: (1) coordinate Federal policies that affect Native Hawaiians or actions by Federal agencies which may significantly or uniquely impact on Native Hawaiian resources, rights, or lands; (2) assure that each Federal agency develops a policy on consultation with Native Hawaiians; and (3) assure the participation of such agencies in the development of an annual report on Task Force activities to specified congressional committees.(Sec. 7) Establishes a process for development of a membership roll for organizing a Native Hawaiian Interim Governing Council and a Native Hawaiian governing body. Recognizes the right of the governing body to adopt organic governing documents and makes such documents effective when ratified by a majority of adult members on the roll and approved by the Secretary. Provides that the documents shall vest in the governing body the rights and powers to: (1) exercise governmental authorities exercised by other governments representing indigenous people of the United States; (2) provide for the protection of Native Hawaiian civil rights; (3) prevent the sale, disposition, lease, or encumbrance of assets of the governing body without its consent; (4) determine governing body membership; and (5) negotiate with Federal, State, and local governments and other entities.Extends Federal recognition to the governing body as the representative governing body of the Native Hawaiian people upon approval of the documents and election of officers.Authorizes the Secretary to issue a charter of incorporation to the governing body to accord the governing body the same status under Federal law when acting in its corporate capacity as an Indian tribe.(Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations.(Sec. 9) Permits the United States, upon Federal recognition of the governing body, to enter into an agreement with the State of Hawaii and the governing body regarding the transfer of lands, resources, and assets dedicated to Native Hawaiian use under existing law to the governing body.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Abercrombie, Neil [D-HI-1] · D–HI

Committees

  • Natural Resources Committee
1 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 893.

  2. Received in the Senate.

  3. The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

  4. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  5. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H8146-8149)

  6. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H8146-8149)

  7. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4904.

  8. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8146-8153)

  9. Mr. Hansen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  10. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 541.

  11. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 106-897.

  12. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 106-897.

  13. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

  14. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  15. Executive Comment Requested from Interior.

  16. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1301-1302)

  17. Referred to the House Committee on Resources.

  18. Introduced in House

  19. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.4904 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.4904 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.4904 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.4904 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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