[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     OMNIBUS INDIAN ADVANCEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2000

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I strongly object to H.R. 5528, The Omnibus 
Indian Advancement Act, because this bill does not protect Marin and 
Sonoma Counties in California from casino development.
  Section XIV of the bill, which discusses the restoration of the Coast 
Miwok tribe in the Sixth Congressional District of California, 
rightfully restores the Miwoks' tribal status but does not protect 
Marin and Sonoma Counties from gambling. That is not acceptable.
  In June, H.R. 946, The Graton Rancheria Restoration Act, my bill to 
restore the Miwoks' status and protect the community from casino 
development unanimously passed the House.
  Now, in the last days of the session in the dark of night this 
hastily written omnibus bill that undoes the work of this House and 
does not protect my constituents is brought to the floor. In their 
effort to finish up their work for the year, the authors of this bill 
have hung Marin and Sonoma Counties out to dry and undone my work.
  An act of Congress took away the Miwoks' status nearly 40 years ago. 
Now the Miwoks' need an act of Congress to restore their status and to 
provide them the health and education benefits they deserve.
  By working with the tribe, the community and the House Resources 
Committee, I passed H.R. 946 that carefully balanced the needs of the 
Miwoks and the needs of the community. Under the bill I wrote and this 
House passed, everyone would have come out a winner.
  Now, without notice, the other body has undone this House's strongly 
supported efforts on behalf of the Coast Miwoks.
  If this bill becomes law, there will be nothing stopping the Coast 
Miwoks from building a Vegas-style casino in the rolling hills of Marin 
and Sonoma counties--no matter how much the community objects.
  Under current federal law, Indian gaming is prohibited except in 
states, like California, that allow gambling. In those states, 
governors are obligated under federal law to negotiate a compact with 
any recognized tribe that wants to start gaming.
  As everyone knows, federal law has precedence over state law in all 
circumstances. Therefore, without a specific federal prohibition 
against Miwok gaming, like the one contained in my bill, H.R. 946, the 
Graton Rancheria Restoration Act, at any point the Miwok could set up 
gaming in the North Bay; all they would have to do is ask and the 
governor would be obligated to negotiate a gambling compact with them.
  Mr. Speaker, my constituents strongly oppose gaming. As their 
representative, I strongly oppose this bill. The pressure to wrap up 
work for the session is no reason to ignore my communities' needs.

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