NIGC accused of foot-dragging in FOIA lawsuit

Wednesday, October 19, 2005  

A watchdog group accused the National Indian Gaming Commission of failing to provide information about the agency's role in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington asked NIGC to provide documents related to Abramoff or any of the major players in the scandal including Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas). The group then filed a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act when NIGC failed to respond.

NIGC has since provided a total of 13 documents, according to a brief [PDF] filed in court this week. But CREW claims the agency is holding back information and is opposing NIGC's request to dismiss the lawsuit.

The action comes as the NIGC issued a proposed rule to come into compliance with the FOIA requirements. Comments are being accepted until November 17, 2005.

Get the Story:
Watchdog group seeks Abramoff records (The Austin-American Statesman 10/19)
CREW Sues Indian Gaming Commission Over Docs; NIGC Response to CREW FOIA on Abramoff Scandal Patently Inadequate, Group Says (CREW 10/18)