Casino Stalker | Legislation

Rep. Grijalva opposes bill to halt Tohono O'odham Nation casino

Monday, September 19, 2011

Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona) said a Republican-led effort to stop the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona from opening a casino could affect tribes nationwide.

In 1986, Congress enacted the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Act to allow the tribe to buy land for a reservation that was flooded. The law requires the replacement land to be placed in trust.

H.R.2938, the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act, however, would prevent the land from being used for gaming. The bill was introduced by Rep. Trent Franks (R-Arizona) last week.

"This bill could open a Pandora’s box in terms of breaking the federal government’s commitmentswhenever it suits a particular interest. I expect many of my Congressional colleagues will join me in opposing this latest attempt to renege on another solemn promise toIndian tribes," Grijalva said in a statement

The tribe so far has won two important court decisions affecting its ability to have the land placed in trust.

Get the Story:
Grijalva comes out against bill to stop West Valley casino (The Phoenix Business Journal 9/19)
Franks outlines measure to block Glendale casino (The East Valley Tribune 9/17)
Rep. Trent Franks unveils bill targeting casino (The Arizona Republic 9/17)