[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 59 (Thursday, March 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      TO AMEND THE INDIAN GAMING REGULATORY ACT ON BEHALF OF LOCAL 
                              COMMUNITIES

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                           HON. TERRY EVERETT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 1995
  Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court 
agreed to review the suit filed by the Seminole Indians that would 
allow tribes to sue States in order to enter into Class III gaming--
casino gambling--compacts. The Court's interest in hearing this case 
points to the long overdue need for a restructuring of the Indian 
Gaming Regulatory Act. One glaring flaw of the statute lies with the 
current approval process for gaming compacts--the local communities do 
not have a voice in these matters which will clearly impact their 
quality of life.
  By way of background, under current law, all that is required for 
Class III gaming approval is a compact between the tribe and State--the 
local community affected by the gaming activity has no involvement in 
the approval process. Moreover, under the current law, State and local 
governments are prohibited from assessing taxes on these gaming 
activities. I believe that the local community, whose infrastructure 
and public services will be strained by the operation of a gambling 
casino, should be able to participate in the approval process. A full-
fledged casino would place untold burdens on the police, fire, rescue, 
and other public services of a small town. The roads, bridges and water 
and sewer capabilities of a small or rural town would be inadequate to 
handle the added demand and usage.
  Today I am joined by a number of interested members in introducing 
legislation that will give local communities a voice in the approval 
process. First, the elected governing body, such as the city council, 
mayor or county commissioners, would be required to approve the Tribal-
State compact. Second, the local community will then have the 
opportunity to approve the compact through a referendum. The inclusion 
of the local community in the gaming compact will not only reflect a 
more complete representation of the people of the affected area, but I 
believe will foster a friendlier and more cooperative relationship 
between the tribes and the local communities in which they reside.
  Whether you are a proponent of opponent of casino gambling, the 
concerns of impacted local communities should be factored into the 
process. This legislation will go a long way to alleviate these 
concerns, and believe that it is time for Congress to take action and 
amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.


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