[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 10, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S2502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONFIRMATION OF MONTIE DEER TO HEAD INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am pleased to announce the 
confirmation by the Senate last night of Mr. Montie Deer to become 
Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission--the federal 
regulatory body overseeing certain Indian gaming activities nationwide.
  After a hearing in February of this year, the Committee on Indian 
Affairs reported Mr. Deer to the full Senate. Mr. Deer is a qualified 
and dedicated public servant who most recently was the United States 
Attorney in Kansas.
  Since 1988, Indian gaming has become a source of much-needed revenue 
for Indian tribal governments to provide jobs, services and frankly, 
hope, where there is not much. There are now some 185 tribes operating 
some form of gaming operations, with annual revenues of nearly $7 
billion.
  The National Indian Gaming Commission was created 11 years ago. This 
three-member agency has the responsibility to monitor and regulate 
certain forms of gaming conducted on Indian lands. The NIGC has the 
authority to approve management contracts; conduct background 
investigations; approve tribal gaming ordinances; and review and 
conduct audits of the books and records of Indian gaming operations.
  The NIGC also has the authority and the responsibility to enforce 
violations of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, NIGC regulations and 
approved tribal gaming ordinances. Those involved with Indian gaming 
understand the need for a strong, effective Commission--one that 
protects the integrity of games offered by tribes. As we did last 
session, the Committee on Indian Affairs will soon consider legislation 
to strengthen the Commission and ensure it has the resources it needs 
to fulfill its obligations.
  A strong Commission is meaningless without strong leadership and last 
night the Senate acted to ensure that strong and effective leadership 
will be the order of the day.

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