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JUNE 19, 2001

Congressman Chris Shays (R-Conn.) and Frank Wolf (R-Va.) today are holding a press conference on the Tribal and Local Communities Relationship Improvement Act, a bill that proposes changes to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

The pair want the Act amended so that state legislatures be required to approve all Class III gaming compacts. Legislatures in a number of states, such as New Mexico, Idaho, and New York, already exercise that power.

The proposed legislation also calls for a report on the effect, if any, of organized crime on Indian gaming, the influence of non-Indian private investors on federal recognition (but no investigation on non-Indians who are oposed to recognition), and a report on living standards on reservations (apparently to prove that Indian gaming is not working).

The Grand Rapids Press quotes Shays' spokesperson Katie Levinson as saying he opposes Indian gaming. In a press conference last year on federal recognition, however, Shays said he did not oppose gaming while Wolf said he opposes gaming altogether.

The pair expect the General Accounting Office to issue its study on federal recognition in August.

Get the Story:
Shays bill would give legislatures veto power on casinos (AP 6/18)
Tribal casino foes take their fight to Congress this week (The Grand Rapids Press 6/17)

Relevant Links:
Rep. Christopher Shays - http://www.house.gov/shays
Rep. Frank Wolf - http://www.house.gov/wolf

Related Stories:
Recognition study won't address gaming (3/08)
Republicans seek BIA reform (12/20)
Recognition rumor almost a reality (12/20)
Republicans want gaming investigation (12/18)