House committee rejects off-reservation casino bills

Thursday, April 3, 2008  

The House Judiciary Committee voted down two off-reservation gaming bills at a markup on Wednesday.

The vote against H.R. 2176, a bill for the Bay Mills Indian Community, was 29-0. The vote against H.R. 4115, a bill for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, was 27-0.

The committee asserted jurisdiction over the bills, citing legal issues raised by settling land claims that authorize off-reservation casinos. Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Michigan), the committee chairman, says the casinos will hurt Detroit's commercial gaming industry.

The House Natural Resources Committee approved both bills. Democratic leaders must decide what to do since the votes are in conflict.

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Vote puts Indian casinos in hands of top Dems (The Detroit Free Press 4/3)