A bill to exempt tribal governments and their businesses from federal labor law has 11 co-sponsors -- and all but one of them is Republican.

Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Arizona) introduced the bill to correct a National Labor Relations Board decision that reversed 30 years of precedent and said tribal business on the reservation are subject to federal law. His co-sponsor is Rep. Charles Rangel of New York, the only Democrat on the co-sponsor list.

Other co-sponsors of H.R.16 [Congressional record] include Reps. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma), Rick Renzi (R-Arizona), Dave Camp (R-Michigan) and other Republicans who have no tribes in their state or are not particularly active in Indian issues.

Get the Story:
Sovereignty or union? [second item] (The Arizona Republic 6/13)

National Labor Relations Board Decisions:
San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino | Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation

Relevant Links:
National Labor Relations Board - http://www.nlrb.gov

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