Rep. Herrera Beutler questions BIA about Cowlitz casino approval

Tuesday, February 8, 2011  

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Washington) wants to know why the Bureau of Indian Affairs approved a casino for the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington.

A February 1 letter accuses the BIA of adopting a "very aggressive, and possibly unlawful" response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar. She also said the tribe improperly influenced the process by paying for the environmental impact statement.

“The process for an initial reservation is fair and accurate and compliant with the federal law,” Chairman Bill Iyall told The Columbian in response.

Iyall said the tribe plans to meet with Herrera Beutler's staff to discuss the issue.

Get the Story:
Herrera Beutler says casino OK is troubling (The Columbian 2/8)

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