Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe confident of Carcieri fix

Thursday, April 16, 2009  

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts says Congress is on its way to fixing the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar.

The decision limits the land-into-trust process to tribes that were "under federal jurisdiction" in 1934. Casino opponents say that cuts out the Mashpees, whose federal recognition wasn't finalized until May 2007.

The tribe contends it maintained federal contacts prior to 1934. But Cedric Cromwell also says Congress is going to address the issue this year.

"We're confident Congress will pass a bill this session" to fix the decision, Chairman Cedric Cromwell said at a meeting with leaders in the town of Middleboro, The Boston Globe reported.

Rep. Barney Frank (D-Massachusetts) isn't so sure. "I know the Wampanoag are disappointed, but I don't see any change on the horizon," Frank told the Globe. "Congress can change it, but I don't think it's at all likely."

Get the Story:
Wampanoag expect casino to be smaller (The Boston Globe 4/16)
Tribe: New focus on gambling a positive sign (The Cape Cod Times 4/15)
Tribe leaders reinforce casino commitment (The Cape Cod Times 4/14)
Middleboro casino plans may be scaled back (GateHouse News Service 4/14)