The House Resources Committee held a hearing on Thursday on two bills that would settle the land claims of two Michigan tribes.

The bills are controversial because they would allow the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe to open casinos on land far away from their existing reservations. Supporters said the casinos would stimulate economically depressed areas and keep gaming dollars from going to Canada.

But opponents said the tribes should not be allowed to obtain land they may have never owned. Leaders of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe testified against the bill.

Principal deputy assistant secretary Aurene Martin said the Bush administration opposes almost every single aspect of the bill. Martin, who is Chippewa but is not recused from the matter, is handling all gaming issues for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Get the Story:
Fight over more casinos goes to U.S. House panel (States News Service 6/25)
House committee hears debate on Michigan casino bills (AP 6/24)

Get the Bills:
H.R. 831 | H.R. 2793

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Bill authorizes land swap and casino deal (2/4)
GOP congresswoman promises support (11/07)
Mich. casino deal sees opposition (10/11)