A southern Arizona congressman is trying to block what he claims is a rushed vote on legislation to prevent the Tohono O'odham from opening a casino in December on the edge of Glendale.
Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva said the measure crafted by fellow Arizona lawmaker Trent Franks has been put on what Congress calls a "suspension calendar,'' essentially a fast track without debate — and without a roll-call vote to put lawmakers on record. Grijalva is trying to stop that.
A 1986 law gave the tribe $30 million to compensate for land flooded by a federal dam project. The tribe bought replacement land near Glendale in 2003 and had it made part of the reservation.
Franks essentially contends the tribe pulled a fast one, saying voters who approved tribal gaming in 2002 were told it would be limited to existing reservations. Federal courts have ruled otherwise. Franks' bill would let the tribe keep the land — but with a ban on casinos until 2027.
The bill is set for a House vote Monday without debate — a process Rep. Grijalva is trying to block. He said anything with a potential cost to taxpayers needs full debate. He chided GOP colleagues for the rush he said benefits other Arizona tribes that would lose business if the Glendale casino opens.
"The Republican delegation in Arizona is quick to want to curtail Medicaid, Medicare, quick to cancel a transportation bill because of cost, and they're not sure and we have to cut the deficit. And here they have no qualms about a sweetheart deal," he said.
Grijalva cited a report by the Congressional Budget Office that the tribe could sue and potentially get up to $1 billion if the legislation is approved and its gaming plans are scrapped. But Franks press aide Destiny Decker said there is no basis for Grijalva's contention. She called that CBO analysis "meaningless" saying it also says the tribe could wind up getting nothing.