Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation Equitable Compensation Act

Floor Speech

During debate on this legislation in committee, a number of our Members expressed concerns on the merits of the settlement achieved under S. 216. Ultimately, this bill authorizes a settlement to the Spokane Tribe for damages as a result of the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam.

As stated in the findings section of the legislation, after construction of the dam, the Federal Government recognized that the Colville and Spokane Tribes should be compensated for their losses. Negotiations commenced, and settlements were reached between the Federal Government and both Tribes independently. No further claims were brought forward by the Spokane Tribe, and, as a result, the Tribe's claims were deemed fully settled.

Now, nearly 50 years later, Congress is granting a settlement to the Tribe that will entitle them to a share of revenues from hydropower sales by the Bonneville Power Administration in perpetuity.

The main concern raised by our Members was the potential of this bill as precedence to resettle claims between an entity and the Federal Government that have already been deemed settled.

In addition, concerns have been raised that this legislation leaves the door open to off-reservation gambling.

During the last 18 years, most House-passed bills addressing Tribal land use issues have contained express restrictions on off-reservation gambling. S. 216 seems to be one of the few that does not.

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I do have one more.

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