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JUNE 20, 2001

Arguing that the Indian gaming industry is in need of additional oversight, two Republican members of Congress with few ties to Indian Country introduced legislation on Tuesday aimed at giving states more control over the $10 billion-a-year and growing business.

At a morning press conference in Washington, DC, Representatives Frank Wolf (R-Va.) and Chris Shays (R-Conn.) -- joined by Bob Riley (R-Ala.) -- claimed that the proliferation of tribal casinos has left states and local communities without a voice. But while they positioned their bill as a means of improving the quality of life for tribes, no Indian representatives participated in the event.

Instead, Wolf invited a number of anti-gaming groups who are currently fighting tribal casinos in a number of states. Members of his staff, however, denied the showing was one-sided even though members of the very community the bill is supposed to help were noticeably absent yesterday.

"This is not an anti-Indian bill," Dan Scandling asserted repeatedly. "This bill is designed to help Indians."

Scandling, a spokesperson for Wolf, then refused to discuss the measure any further, cutting short an interview with Indianz.Com.

Known as the Tribal and Local Communities Relationship Improvement Act, the bill would amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in a number of ways. Future Class III, or Vegas style, gaming compacts negotiated between states and tribes would require legislative ratification.

"State legislatures should be able to have a say whether or not casinos are allowed to open in their state," said Wolf.

Legislative approval already occurs in a number of states, including New York, New Mexico, Connecticut, and Idaho. A spokesperson for Shays said the provision would ensure nationwide standard but would not infringe on a state's right to choose its own policies.

Another amendment is aimed at stopping the spread of casinos, one of Wolf's goals. Tribes would be prevented from operating gaming facilities on more than one parcel of land.

The bill would also set up an advisory commission composed of government and tribal representatives that would develop national standards for casino operations. The National Indian Gaming Commission recently proposed such regulations, which some tribal leaders have opposed.

Finally, the bill would create a "Commission on Native American Policy" which would study a number of issues affecting Indian Country. Economic opportunities, crime, health care, and federal recognition would all come under the guises of the commission, who would produce a report within 18 months of formation.

The last time the federal government made a similar stab at addressing Indian policy was under President Ronald Reagan. But after the Commission on Reservation Economies completed its work, tribal leaders in 1984 resoundingly rejected the controversial recommendations made by panel members, including Bureau of Indian Affairs nominee Neal McCaleb.

Wolf and Shays last fall requested a General Accounting Office investigation into the federal acknowledgment process at the BIA. The results of the study are expected in August.

Get the Bill:
To amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to require State legislature approval of new gambling facilities, to provide for minimum requirements for Federal regulation of Indian gaming, to set up a commission to report to Congress on current living and health standards in Indian country, and for other purposes. (H.R.2244)

Statements on Bill:
Wolf | Shays

Relevant Links:
Rep. Christopher Shays - http://www.house.gov/shays
Rep. Frank Wolf - http://www.house.gov/wolf

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Republicans want gaming investigation (12/18)