The $286.5 billion highway transportation bill that passed the House and Senate on Friday includes a rider that makes it harder for the Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma to acquire trust land.

In 2000, Congress passed an omnibus bill that granted the tribe recognition. It mandated the acquisition of trust land just about anywhere in Oklahoma.

But the rider strikes that entire section from the bill. It also forces the tribe to undergo the two-part determination process for a gaming-related acquisition. The tribe has floated plans for a casino in downtown Oklahoma City.

The rider in the bill [PDF: Conference Report] is found under "Section 10213. Tribal Land." It doesn't mention the Shawnees by name but instead references Public Law 106�568, the act that contain the recognition provisions.

Get the Story:
Bill blocks Bricktown casino bid (The Oklahoman 7/30)
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Senators fight downtown casino (The Oklahoman 7/29)
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Highway Transportation Act:
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (H.R.3)

Federal Recognition Act:
The Omnibus Indian Advancement Act (H.R.5528)

Related Stories:
Dorgan supported rider on Shawnee land bid (7/28)
Downtown Oklahoma City casino debated (07/26)
Downtown Oklahoma City casino draws concerns (07/15)
Oklahoma tribe seeks Oklahoma City casino (07/11)
Another Oklahoma tribe denied out-of-state land (5/5)