Editorial: Allow full debate on RIGHT Act

Friday, September 15, 2006  

"The casino bill that came before the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday turned out to be not about casinos but railroads. Make that railroad, the verb, as in the sinister strategy attempted by House Republicans.

Fortunately, they failed.Unfortunately, it was a good cause that we would support under ordinary circumstances: curbing the rampant growth of tribal casinos off reservations. But the process was flawed, and because the GOP tried to railroad the bill through the House, it simply had to be rejected.

Led by Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Calif., the bill was presented under provisions that limit debate and prevent amendments. Such a rush job is unacceptable, and that's why the strategy requires two-thirds approval. The vote actually was for the measure 247-171, but that's short of two-thirds."

Get the Story:
In Our View: Rush Job Thwarted (The Columbian 9/15)