One of the 92 Republicans who voted against the Tribal Law and Order Act said the bill "circumvented" the regular legislative process.

Rep. Duncan D. Hunter (R-California) initially supported the H.R.725, the Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act, a spokesperson said. "It’s purpose was to address counterfeit arts and crafts wrongfully marketed as Indian-made product," Joe Kasper told East County Magazine.

But when the Tribal Law and Order Act was attached to H.R.725, Hunter "did not feel comfortable voting in favor of a bill without Congress first identifying the best procedures and resources to prevent, investigate and prosecute crimes on Indian reservations," the spokesperson said. So he cast a no vote on July 21.

“We frequently hear from San Diegans that they are tired of the lack [of] oversight and backroom deals within Congress," the spokesperson said. "Congressman Hunter shares that same frustration and while he believes the issue at hand merited action, the Congressman could not bring himself around to supporting a bill that circumvented the oversight function and, once considered by the Senate, included over 90 pages of additional text and authorized over $1 billion in spending."

Two other Republicans who voted against the bill also have complained about the process. None of them have sponsored any legislation to address Indian issues.

Get the Story:
HUNTER DRAWS FIRE FOR VOTE AGAINST TRIBAL LAW & ORDER BILL (East County Magazine 8/3)

Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act:
H.R.725

Tribal Law and Order Act:
S.797 | H.R.1924

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