Critics of the federal recognition process say the House Resources Committee is stacked with Western lawmakers who support tribes.

Rep. Chris Shays (R-Conn.), who does not sit on the committee, spoke at an anti-casino meeting, The Connecticut Post reported. He suggested that changes in the recognition process are being blocked by the committee.

"Tribes out West can promise votes as a block -- they are a political force," he was quoted as saying.

Other critics, including author Jeff Benedict and newspaper editorials, have said that Western lawmakers are preventing reforms to the process. Some have singled out Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) for comments he made on the Senate floor defending tribes and lamenting the long wait many endure to gain recognition.

Get the Story:
Shays says tribal recognition process deeply flawed (AP 3/5)

Mohegan chairman says recognition bill unfair (2/27)
Recognition still a big issue for tribes (2/26)
Date for House hearing on recognition not set (02/13)
Tribal foes in Conn. want to stop flow of money (02/10)
GAO asked to investigate Schaghticoke recognition (2/9)
Jeff Benedict: BIA out of control on tribal recognition (2/9)
Column: Federal recognition all about 'big wampum' (2/9)
House Resourcess to hold recognition hearing (2/6)
Gover praises BIA for not bowing to pressure (2/2)
Lack of evidence addressed in recognition bill (02/19)
Sweeping recognition reform bill offered (02/07)
At BIA, no recognition of new tribes (2/5)
BIA recognition still hard to prove for some (01/22)
McCaleb delivers aggressive recognition plan (10/03)
BIA role in recognition decisions under review (06/13)
BIA Budget: Doing more with less (3/26)
Bush budget cuts funds for new tribes (3/20)
McCaleb takes on recognition (3/15)
Inside the BIA, plenty of drama (3/4)
Ashcroft urged to charge BIA officials (3/1)
Solutions sought for 'hijacked' recognition (11/9)
Solutions sought for 'hijacked' recognition (11/9)
Gover: Recognition study 'cooked' (11/1)
Reforming federal recognition (10/26)
Gover takes on recognition (10/25)
McCaleb to listen 'closely' to recognition experts (8/9)
McCaleb decision sure to draw scrutiny (7/31)
BIA pushed to provide 'answers' on tribes (7/26)
McCaleb endorses BIA on recognition (6/14)
Gover's 'activist' legacy escapes McCaleb (6/13)
BIA has small goal for big problem (5/22)