The Senate Indian Affairs Committee is holding a business meeting this morning to vote on four pieces of legislation.

Of the three bills on the agenda, S 2078, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act Amendments is the most controversial. It would make major changes to the $20 billion tribal casino industry by beefing up the powers of the National Indian Gaming Commission and limiting off-reservation casinos.

Tribal and Indian gaming leaders are opposing the bill. They say it will hurt efforts to make tribes more self-sufficient.

The other bills on the agenda are: S.1899, Reauthorization of the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act; S.2245, Indian Youth Tele-Mental Health Demonstration Project Act; and S. 1773, the Pueblo of San Ildefonso Claims Settlement Act.

The meeting starts at 9:30am in Room 485 of the Senate Russell Office Building. Committee meetings aren't usually broadcast on the Internet.

Relevant Links:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee - http://indian.senate.gov

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