The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a confirmation hearing this morning for Tracie Stevens to be chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Stevens, a member of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington, was warmly embraced by the committee. Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), the chairman, vowed to act on the nomination "very quickly."

The only major issue raised during the hearing was the regulation of Class III games such as slot machines and table games. In what is known as the CRIT decision, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the NIGC lacks authority to regulate Class III gaming.

The court said the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act leaves that role to tribes and states.

The Bush administration supported a "fix" to the decision but Stevens did not endorse a Congressional response and instead said she would reach out to tribes on the issue. She pointed out that some tribes have stringent Class III regulations in place.

On a secondary issue, Stevens declined to express a view on off-reservation gaming. She said the Interior Department is primarily responsible for determining whether land is placed in trust.

"Off-reservation gaming ... has occurred in very few numbers historically," Stevens told the committee. "However I do realize it's a contentious issue."

The hearing lasted about 55 minutes. Audio clips are available below.

• Opening Remarks

Panel 1
• Testimony | Q&A
Brian Cladoosby, Chairman of the Swinomish Tribe of Washington and President of the Affilliated Tribe of the Northwest Indians

Tracie L. Stevens, nominee

Committee Notice:
HEARING on the President’s Nomination of Tracie L. Stevens to serve as Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (May 26, 2010)

White House Announcement:
President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts (White House 4/28)

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