[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

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                               speech of

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2006

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I cannot vote for this bill, for 
several reasons.
  To begin with, as the debate in the Resources Committee made clear, 
this is not the kind of measure that should be considered under a 
procedure that rigidly limits debate and prevents consideration of any 
amendments. Instead, it is a controversial proposal that can affect 
many parts of the country. All members whose districts could be 
affected--or who have concerns for other reasons--should have the 
opportunity to propose amendments that they think would improve the 
legislation.
  But regardless of the procedures controlling debate today, I think 
the bill has such serious flaws that it should be rejected--which was 
why I voted against it in committee.
  As others have noted, it would make a drastic change in current law 
regarding the regulation of Indian gaming, changes that do not properly 
reflect and respect the status of tribal governments and that have led 
the majority of tribes and tribal organizations to oppose the 
legislation.
  I do not think such far-reaching changes are necessary to address the 
problems cited by the bill's supporters. On the contrary, I think the 
Interior Department already has ample authority to resolve those 
problems through regulation.
  Finally, some have suggested that the legislation should be passed to 
resolve questions raised in 2004 when two tribes now based in Oklahoma 
asserted a claim to lands in Colorado. However, I do not think that is 
accurate.
  Nothing in this bill would prevent tribes from making such land 
claims in the future. And because no legislation can bind a future 
Congress, the bill would not prevent a legislative settlement of such 
claims--the professed goal of those asserting the Colorado claim--which 
could involve authorization of Indian gaming on some of the lands 
involved.
  I urge the House to reject this bill.

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