The House Resources Committee held a hearing on Wednesday on the National Indian Gaming Commission's Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS).
The committee heard from the NIGC and Indian gaming representatives. The two sides are at odds over NIGC's authority to issue, implement and enforce standards on Class III gaming.
An administrative law judge and a federal judge have ruled that NIGC lacks authority under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to issue the MICS. The Bush administration is appealing.
The NIGC has since asked for amendments in IGRA to clarify its authority over Class III gaming. Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) and Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), the chairman and vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, support the proposal.
Rep. Richard Pombo (R-California), the chairman of the House Resources Committee, has introduced amendments to IGRA as well. But the issue of Class III regulation or the MICS is not addressed.
The witness list for the hearing was as follows:
Mr. Phil Hogen, Chairman, National Indian Gaming Commission
Mr. Ernie Stevens, Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association
Mr. Raymond Aspa, Sr., Tribal Council, Colorado River Indian Tribes
Mr. Norm Des Rosiers, Commissioner, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Tribal Gaming Commission
Mr. Kevin Washburn. Associate Professor of Law, University of Minnesota
Mr. Frank Ducheneaux, Consultant, Representing Minnesota Indian Gaming Association and Great Plains Indian Gaming Association
Press Releases:
NIGC Chairman Hogen Testifies before the House Resources Committee (NIGC 5/11)
National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Testifies Before House Resources Committee On Internal Control Standards (NIGA 5/11)