The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill that aims to stop a planned casino in the West Valley. The measure allows the Tohono O’Odham Nation to develop the land it bought near 91st and Northern Avenues, but prohibits putting a casino there. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.
MARK BRODIE: The Tohono O’Odham bought the land in 2003, under a federal law that allowed it to replace land destroyed by a federal dam project. Glendale and other tribes oppose plans to build a casino there. During debate on the bill Monday, its sponsor, Republican Congressman Trent Franks accused the Tohono O’Odham of breaking its commitment to the state, as part of the gaming compact.
TRENT FRANKS: The passage of H.R. 2938 will prevent an ominous precedent that could lead to an expansion of off-reservation casinos, and dangerous changes to the complexion of tribal gaming in other states across the country.
BRODIE: Precedence was also on the minds of the bill’s critics. Democrat Raul Grijalva said the measure would set a dangerous precedent of Congress changing the terms of federal settlements after the fact. The issue still needs Senate approval before going to the president.
Updated 6/20/2012 8:31 a.m.