Congress OKs budget with $62 million for Native Hawaiians

[Doondoo]

Congress has approved a federal budget bill that allocates $62.5 million for Native Hawaiian education, housing and health care, Hawaii's congressional delegation said Thursday.

The Senate passed the legislation on Wednesday 81-15. The House voted 286 to 140 to approve the bill late last month.

The legislation now goes to President Bush for his signature, Hawaii's four Democratic representatives in Washington - two in the Senate and two in the House - said in a joint statement.

"I am pleased that Hawaii's congressional delegation, and the Democratic Party as a whole, came together to preserve vital health and education opportunities for Native Hawaiians," said Sen. Daniel K. Akaka.



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