July 27, 2009: ’Birther’ Sympathizer in US House Objects to Resolution Commemorating Hawaiian Statehood; Resolution States Obama Is a Hawaiian Native

US Representative Michele Bachmann (R-MN) attempts to delay a Congressional resolution introduced by Representative Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hawaii’s statehood. Bachmann, who has publicly expressed support for so-called “birther” claims that President Obama is not a real US citizen (see June 13, 2008, June 27, 2008, and August 21, 2008), apparently opposes a line in Abercrombie’s resolution that states, “Whereas the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, was born in Hawaii on August 4, 1961” (see June 13, 2008, June 27, 2008, October 30, 2008 and July 28, 2009). According to Abercrombie spokesperson Dave Helfert, “birthers” have claimed that the line is an attempt to get Congress to affirm Obama’s citizenship. Bachmann objects to the resolution coming to a vote, saying a quorum is not present. The House later votes 378-0 to approve the resolution; Bachmann votes in favor. [Honolulu Advertiser, 7/28/2009]