[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10743-S10744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CRAIG:
  S. 16. A bill to provide for certain land to be held in trust for the 
Burns Paiute Tribe; to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

[[Page S10744]]

  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, the purpose of introducing this bill today 
is to start the process of granting the Burns-Paiute Tribe of Eastern 
Oregon land in trust. This is an opportunity to allow this tribe to 
become self-sufficient by producing a viable gaming operation. The 
project would be designed to have a minimal component tied to gaming 
with a much larger share of the development related to entertainment 
and tourism. One of the goals would be to develop activities and bring 
in components that enhance the overall Treasure Valley and southwest 
Idaho economic environment. The goal is to create new reasons for 
people to travel to the region and to work with local businesses to 
generate ongoing supply and support ongoing business opportunities. 
This legislation, should it be implemented, will create new jobs and 
provide an economic boost for eastern Oregon and western Idaho.
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