OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

H.R. 4893

Date: Sept. 29, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Indigenous Peoples


H.R. 4893 -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 29, 2006)

SPEECH OF HON. BETTY McCOLLUM OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2006

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4893, which represents a significant change in federal policy towards tribal governments and grossly undermines tribal sovereignty.

* The U.S. Constitution article 1, section 8 acknowledges Indian Tribes as governments, equal to States and Foreign Nations. In recognition of this constitutionally guaranteed sovereignty, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, IGRA, directs tribes to negotiate gambling compacts with states and the federal government. H.R. 4893 amends Section 20 of IGRA to restrict off-reservation Indian gambling by forcing tribes to enter into agreements with subdivisions of states for the first time in over 200 years.

* H.R. 4893 further undermines tribal sovereignty and Indian Self-Determination with a provision that requires tribes to enter into binding arbitration with counties and parishes. Binding arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution process between two equals, yet the Constitution makes clear that Indian Tribes are equal to Federal and state governments, not their local subdivisions. This legislation creates a precarious precedent that could lead to further erosion of tribal sovereignty.

* For these reasons, major tribal organizations vehemently oppose passage of H.R. 4893. The National Indian Business Association, the National Indian Gaming Association and the National Congress of American Indians, which includes 250 tribes throughout the United States, are among the bill's detractors.

* This bill is only the most recent in a long and regrettable series of assaults on the rights of Native Americans. As a proud member of the Native American Caucus and a stalwart defender of tribal sovereignty, I stand opposed to this legislation and in defense of the Constitution. I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that our federal government's commitment to America's Native peoples, cultures and languages remains steadfast.

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