A lawsuit that aims to stop the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington from opening a casino continues in federal court.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the tribe's land-into-trust application in 2010. The decision came after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Carcieri v. Salazar.

The BIA addressed the ruling and said the Cowlitz Tribe was "under federal jurisdiction" as of 1934, the date specified by the Supreme Court. But opponents -- including Clark County and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in Oregon -- say the Obama administration acted illegally.

The lawsuit is being heard in federal court in Washington, D.C. The Department of Justice was given more time to respond to a motion for summary judgment after informing the judge of some missing documents.

Final replies are due November 26. Though there's no timeline, it's possible Judge Richard W. Roberts could issue a decision by the end of the year.

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee is holding a hearing this afternoon to discuss the impacts of the Carcieri ruling and another one that affects land-into-trust decisions.

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