The Narragansett Tribe will have a hard time convincing Rhode Island's Congressional delegation to repeal a rider that blocks the tribe from opening a casino under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-Rhode Island) said the rider -- inserted into an appropriations bill back in 1996 -- should be removed. That would allow the tribe to open a casino on its 1,800-acre settlement reservation.

But Sen. Jack Reed (D) doesn't want the rider removed. Neither does Rep. James Langevin (D), although he isn't opposed to hearings on the subject. Freshman Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D) doesn't have a position yet.

The tribe has sought to engage in gaming through state laws. But voters have twice rejected a referendum to legalize a casino.

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Tribe seeks repeal of provision (The Providence Journal 2/15)
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