ads@blueearthmarketing.com   712.224.5420

Casino Stalker | Legislation | Litigation
House committee passes bill to block Tohono O'odham casino


The House Natural Resources Committee voted 32-11 today to pass H.R.2938, a bill that bars the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona from opening an off-reservation casino.

The bill generated considerable debate from members of both parties. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-California) was the only Republican to speak against it even though some Democrats -- including Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Michigan), the co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus -- support it.

"This is a matter of the honor of the United States," McClintock said today at a markup session.

H.R.2938 modifies the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Act of 1986, a law that was passed to compensate the Tohono O'odham Nation for land that was flooded by the federal government. The tribe won't be allowed to engage in Class II or Class III gaming on its replacement lands if the bill becomes law.

The tribe owns 135 acres near Glendale, whose officials object to the proposed West Valley Resort. The law requires the land to be placed in trust but the matter is currently pending before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The bill now goes to the House for full consideration.

Committee Notice:
Full Committee Markup on H.R. 200, H.R. 205, H.R. 1545, H.R. 2027, H.R. 2070, H.R. 2087, H.R. 2454, H.R. 2236, H.R. 2336, H.R. 2362, H.R. 2606, H.R. 2719, H.R. 2834, H.R. 2938, H.R. 3117, H.R. 3404 and S. 535 (November 17, 2011)

Related Stories:
Tohono O'odham Nation awaits hearing on gaming litigation (11/10)
Tohono O'odham Nation could expand scope of casino project (11/8)
Tohono O'odham Nation gives grant to casino-friendly city (11/4)
Candidate seeks talks for Tohono O'odham Nation casino (11/1)
Fronteras: Tohono O'odham Nation closer to casino bid (10/31)
City to keep fighting Tohono O'odham Nation casino plan (10/28)
Tohono O'odham Nation wins legal fees in gaming lawsuit (10/26)
Mayoral hopeful open to Tohono O'odham Nation casino plan (10/18)
Polls duel over Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino (10/13)
Tohono O'odham Nation defends plan for off-reservation casino (10/7)