"In early October, leaders from Indian communities and the state testified before a congressional committee about House Resolution 2938, legislation sponsored by Congressman Trent Franks to clarify the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Act of 1986.
Contrary to claims made by the Tohono O'odham Nation -- the tribe seeking to open a new off-reservation casino near Glendale -- HR 2938 would not take away any of its lands. Instead, the bill makes clear that the 1986 act is not a "golden ticket" that allows Tohono O'odham to conduct off-reservation gaming far from its reservation and outside of its aboriginal lands. In November, the House Natural Resources Committee, which exercises jurisdiction on the issue, approved HR 2938 by a bipartisan vote of 32-11. We are hopeful that in the coming weeks the full House will approve this much-needed legislation." Get the Story: