[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 24 (Thursday, March 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E308-E309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     ADDITIONAL MATERIALS REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL YEAR 2002 
APPROPRIATIONS LEGISLATION AFFECTING THE RIGHTS OF THE WYANDOTTE TRIBE 
                              OF OKLAHOMA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 7, 2002

  Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, on March 4, I placed in the Congressional 
Record an extension of remarks, that included a letter from Leaford 
Bearskin, the chief of the Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma, concerning 
congressional actions last year that affected his Tribe. Due to space 
limitations, I was unable to include correspondence from organizations 
in the Third District of Kansas supporting the Wyandotte Tribe 
Settlement Act, referred to by Chief Bearskin. I have included the nine 
letters below.

         Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, 
           Kansas,
                                Kansas City, KS, October 20, 1999.
     Hon. Don Young,
     Chairman, House Resources Committee, House of 
         Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Young: On behalf of the citizens of Wyandotte 
     County/Kansas City, Kansas, I would like to thank you for 
     your efforts in sponsoring H.R. 1533, The Wyandotte Tribe 
     Settlement Act, and strongly urge you to continue your 
     efforts to move this critical piece of legislation though 
     Congress before it adjourns.
       The citizens here, overwhelmingly, endorsed gaming at the 
     Woodlands by an 80 percent vote in 1997. The passage of H.R. 
     1533 and similar legislation in the Senate would allow the 
     Wyandotte Nation the opportunity to open a gaming facility at 
     the Woodlands and greatly enhance the economy of this city 
     and county. There is already widespread gaming throughout the 
     State of Kansas and in the Kansas City area. This bill would 
     allow the citizens of Wyandotte County to realize economic 
     gains that are currently not available to them.
       Your continued efforts are greatly appreciated, and If I 
     can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to call me.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Carol Marinovich,
                                                        Mayor/CEO.

                                  ____
                                  

                                      The Kansas City, Kansas Area


                                          Chamber of Commerce,

                                Kansas City, KS, October 20, 1999.
     Hon. Don Young,
     Chairman, House Resources Committee, Rayburn House Office 
         Building, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Young: I am writing to once again 
     reiterate this organization's support for and to thank you 
     for your efforts to expedite the passage of H.R. 1533: The 
     Wyandotte Tribe Settlement Act of 1999.
       As you know the by-product of this legislation will have a 
     significant impact not only on the economic well being of the 
     Wyandotte Nation, but certainly for our community at well. I 
     believe that the passage of H.R. 1533 will allow the 
     Wyandotte Nation to exercise certain rights afforded to them 
     via the Indian Gaming Act of 1988. This also would create an 
     opportunity for the Wyandotte Nation and the current 
     ownership of the Woodlands greyhound and thoroughbred pari-
     mutuel racetrack to negotiate an agreement for a Tribal 
     Casino. The Woodlands would be greatly aided by this 
     arrangement.
       Congressman Young, legalized games of chance and casino 
     gaming are not unknown to our community, nor to the State of 
     Kansas. There is already legalized gaming just across the 
     state line in metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri, and there 
     are several Tribal Casino operations in the State of Kansas. 
     H.R. 1533 will allow for a win-win situation for our 
     community, the State of Kansas as well at the Wyandotte 
     Nation.
       Thanking you in advance for your support and sponsorship of 
     H.R. 1533, I am
           Sincerely,
     Deryl W. Wynn,
       Chairman of the Board, Kansas City, Kansas Area Chamber of 
     Commerce.
     Dan Schenkein,
       President, Kansas City, Kansas Area Chamber of Commerce.

                                  ____
                                  

         Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades 
           Council, AFL-CIO,
                                Independence, MO October 19, 1999.
     Hon. Congressman Don Young,
     Chairman House Resources Committee, Rayburn Office Building, 
         Washington, DC
       Dear Chairman Young: I am writing this letter in strong 
     support of House Bill 1533, regarding the Wyandotte Tribe of 
     Oklahoma's request for due compensation from Congress for 
     lands and rights issues pertaining to the Treaty of 1855.
       The successful passage of H.B. 1533 will create significant 
     benefits for the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, not to 
     mention specifically the working class community of Kansas 
     City, Kansas and Wyandotte County. In a unique area of our 
     metro-plex where employment opportunities are needed most, 
     Kansas City, Kansas and it's residents will significantly 
     benefit from your efforts towards H.B. 1533 successful 
     passage.
       On behalf of the rank and file of the Greater Kansas City 
     Building & Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO I urge your 
     continued diligence on H.B. 1533.
           Sincerely,

                                                   Garry Kemp,

       Exec. Sec./Business Manager, Greater Kansas City Building & 
     Construction Trades Council.

                                  ____
                                  

         AFL-CIO Tri-County Labor Council of Eastern Kansas Union 
           Label & Service Trades--Area COPE,
                                Kansas City, KS, October 20, 1999.
     Hon. Congressman Don Young,
     Chairman, House Resources Committee, Rayburn Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Young: I am writing this letter in strong 
     support of House Bill 1533, regarding the Wyandotte Tribe of 
     Oklahoma's request for due compensation from Congress for 
     lands and rights issues pertaining to the Treaty of 1855.
       The successful passage of H.B. 1533 will create significant 
     benefits for the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, not to 
     mention specifically the working class community of Kansas 
     City, Kansas and Wyandotte County. In a unique area of our 
     metro-plex where employment opportunities are needed most, 
     Kansas City, Kansas and its residents will significantly 
     benefit from your efforts towards H.B. 1533's successful 
     passage.
       On behalf of the rank and file of the AFL-CIO Tri-County 
     Labor Council of Eastern Kansas, I urge your continued 
     diligence on H.B. 1533.
           Sincerely,
                                                        Jim Hadel,
                              President, Tri-County Labor Council.

                                  ____
                                  

                               Wyandot Nation of Kansas, Inc.,

                                   Kansas City, KS, July 11, 1998.

     Re Wyandot Nation of Kansas and the Wyandotte Tribe of 
         Oklahoma Settlement.

     Hon. Don Young,
     Rayburn House Office Building, United States House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Young. On May 19, 1998, Congressman 
     Vincent Snowbarger and Holly Zane, Attorney General of the 
     Wyandot Nation of Kansas, authored letters which reference a 
     controversy between the Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma and the 
     Wyandot Nation of Kansas regarding the use of the Huron 
     Cemetery. This letter advises you that this controversy has 
     been resolved by the Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma and the 
     Wyandot Nation of Kansas. The settlement prohibits the use of 
     the Huron Cemetery for any use other than religious, cultural 
     or those compatible with the use of the land as a burial 
     ground.
       Thank you very much for your attention to this matter.
           Sincerely,
                                    Wyandot Nation of Kansas, Inc.


[[Page E309]]


                                  ____
                                  

         Minority Contractors Association of Greater Kansas City,
                                Kansas City, MO, October 19, 1999.
     Hon. Congressman Donald Young,
     Chairman House Resources Committee, House of Representatives, 
         Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Young. The House Resources Committee passed 
     H.B. 1533 which allows the Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma to 
     redeem ``lost'' tribal rights to land in Wyandotte County. 
     This Bill is now awaiting action by the full House. The 
     Minority Contractors Association would like to help educate 
     you on the bill's impact with this letter and seek your 
     support for it. As you may recall last year the Senate 
     imposed a restriction on the Tribe's use and rights of their 
     own land. H.B. 1533 restores those rights without infringing 
     on last year's Senate action and helps meet critical needs in 
     our community. The members of this association believe that 
     this bill will greatly enhance economic development and 
     construction in our community.
       As you know the by-product of this legislation will have a 
     significant impact not only on the economic well being of the 
     Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma, but certainly for the people of 
     Wyandotte County as well. The entire region will benefit from 
     our growing economy and the opportunities for employment. We 
     believe that the passage of H.B. 1533 will allow the 
     Wyandotte Tribe to exercise their rights to own and operate a 
     Tribal Casino in our community under the authority of the 
     Indian Gaming Act of 1988.
       The residents of this community in 1996 voted 
     overwhelmingly in an advisory vote to endorse legalized 
     gaming by nearly 80 percent. Additionally, the Wyandotte 
     Tribe has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the 
     Unified government of Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas 
     for the purchase and operation of the Woodlands Greyhound and 
     thoroughbred paranutual racetrack as a Tribal Casino. The 
     Woodlands will be enhance greatly by this arrangement and 
     will be revitalized to add value to our community. The 
     citizens of Wyandotte County, the Kansas City Kansas Area 
     Chamber of Commerce and the members of the Minority 
     Contractors Association have gone on record of continually 
     supporting this issue and casino-style gaming at the 
     Woodlands. Chairman Young, as you know legalized games of 
     chance and casino gaming are not strangers to our community 
     nor the State of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska or Iowa. There is 
     already wide-spread gaming with several Tribal Casino 
     operations within the State of Kansas. We believe that H.B. 
     1533 will allow for a win-win situation for our community as 
     well as the Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma. To that end the 
     Minority Contractors Association humbly urges you to review 
     this legislation before the adjournment of the 106th 
     Congress.
       I appreciate your time and interest in this matter and look 
     forward to hearing from you as you review this critical issue 
     facing this community.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Mike Hughes,
                                               Executive Director.

                                  ____
                                  

                                      Hispanic Chamber of Commerce


                                       of Greater Kansas City,

                                Kansas City, MO, October 21, 1999.
     Hon. Don Young,
     Chairman, House Resources Committee, House of 
         Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Young: On behalf of the Hispanic Chamber of 
     Commerce of Greater Kansas City, I would like to thank you 
     for your efforts in sponsoring H.R. 1533, The Wyandotte Tribe 
     Settlement Act. The Hispanic Chamber strongly urges you to 
     continue your efforts to move this critical piece of 
     legislation through Congress before it adjourns.
       The citizens of Kansas City overwhelmingly endorsed gaming 
     at the Woodland by an 80 percent vote in 1997. The passage of 
     H.R. 1533 and similar legislation in the Senate would allow 
     the Wyandotte Nation the opportunity to open a gaming 
     facility at the Woodlands. This in turn would improve the 
     economy of the City and Wyandotte County. We are pleased to 
     hear about the Wyandotte Tribe's commitment to diversity. We 
     are certain that through the passage of this bill, that the 
     Hispanic community will be provided economic opportunities in 
     the areas of construction, services and employment.
       Your continued efforts are greatly appreciated and if I can 
     be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to call me.
           Sincerely,
                                                   William Torres,
                                             First Vice President.

                                  ____
                                  

                                  Wyandotte Development, Inc.,

                                Kansas City, KS, October 21, 1999.
     Hon. Don Young,
     Chairman, House Resources Committee, Rayburn House Office 
         Building, House of Representatives, Washington, DC
       Congressman Young: I am writing on behalf of Wyandotte 
     Development, Inc., which serves as the lead private economic 
     development agency for Wyandotte County Kansas serving the 
     communities of Edwardsville, Bonner Springs, and Kansas City.
       I am writing to encourage your continued efforts to pass 
     House Resolution 1533, which would return tribal rights in 
     our County to the Wyandotte Nation. As you know, our 
     community and this organization are committed to the viable 
     economic operation of the Woodlands para-mutual racetrack in 
     our community. This organization believes that H.R. 1533 
     provides a unique potential for casino style gaming to be 
     conducted at the Woodlands. Should that occur, it would allow 
     our community to compete for tourism and gaming revenues on a 
     regional basis and will create significant employment 
     opportunities for our residents.
       Please continue your fine efforts on House Resolution 1533.
           Sincerely,

                                               Gary D. Grable,

                                            Chairman of the Board,
                               Wyandotte Development Incorporated.

                                  ____
                                  

                              The Women's Chamber of Commerce,

                                Kansas City, KS, October 20, 1999.
     Hon. Don Young,
     Chairman, Housing Resources Committee, Rayburn House Office 
         Building, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Young: Thank you for your efforts to 
     expedite the passage of H.R. 1533: The Wyandotte Tribe 
     Settlement Act of 1999. I again request that you continue to 
     support this worthy effort.
       The by-product of this legislation will have a significant 
     impact on only on the economic well being of the Wyandotte 
     Nation, but certainly for our community as well. I believe 
     that the passage of H.R. 1533 will allow the Wyandotte Nation 
     to exercise certain rights afforded to them via the Indian 
     Gaming Act of 1988. This also would create an opportunity for 
     the Wyandotte Nation and the current ownership of the 
     Woodlands greyhound and thoroughbred para-mutual racetrack to 
     negotiate an agreement for a Tribal Casino. The Woodlands 
     would be greatly aided by this arrangement. The board of 
     directors of the Kansas City Kansas Women's Chamber of 
     Commerce has continually supported casino-style gambling at 
     the Woodlands since 1995.
       There are legalized casinos just across the state line in 
     metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri, and there are several 
     Tribal Casino operations in the State of Kansas. I believe 
     that H.R. 1533 would benefit our own community with jobs and 
     economic opportunities. These opportunities would have a 
     positive effect on my community, the State of Kansas and the 
     Wyandotte Nation.
       Thanking you in advance for your support and sponsorship of 
     H.R. 1533.
           Sincerely,

                                               Loretta Morton,

                                    President, Kansas City, Kansas
                                      Women's Chamber of Commerce.