The Republican vice-chairman of the House Resources Committee says the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma should be allowed to operate an out-of-state casino.

Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), former chairman of the panel, blasted the state of Kansas for raiding the tribe's downtown Kansas City casino. He also criticized the Bureau of Indian Affairs for its handling the controversy.

The tribe opened a Class II facility on land held in trust in Kansas City. The National Indian Gaming Commission, however, said the land did not qualify for gaming.

Leaford Bearskin, chief of the Wyandotte Nation, said the tribe satisfies an exemption that allows gaming on the land. He said the land was the result of a Congressionally-approved settlement.

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Alaska lawmaker supports tribe's bid for KCK casino (AP 7/14)