Rep. Gosar Leads Effort in House Resources Committee for Passage of Keep The Promise Act

Press Release

Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the House Natural Resources Committee voted favorably in support of the passage of H.R. 308, the Keep the Promise Act:

"I am pleased to see the House Natural Resources Committee swiftly approve important legislation that halts a precedent that may lead to an expansion of off-reservation casinos and dangerous changes to the complexion of tribal gaming in other states across the country.

"The Tohono O'odham Nation dismissal of its promise to build no additional casinos in Phoenix is not something that Congress can ignore when the result will be so harmful for Indian gaming nationwide. I fully support Indian gaming, if done under the rule of law, both in letter and spirit. However, no entity, governmental or otherwise, should be rewarded for deceptive conduct that violates a compact and is contrary to the will of voters. I congratulate my good friend and colleague Trent Franks, and it has been an honor to work closely with so many good people that strongly support this legislation."

Upon hearing of passage of the bill, Rep. Trent Franks (AZ-08), the sponsor of H.R. 308 and representative for Glendale said, "I commend the Natural Resources Committee for passing H.R. 308, the Keep the Promise Act. This bill halts a precedent that may lead to an expansion of off-reservation casinos and dangerous changes to the complexion of tribal gaming in other states across the country. Tribes across the nation, including many of the other Arizona tribes that played an integral role in the 2002 gaming compact, strongly support this legislation due to the impact this situation could have on tribal gaming enterprises nationally.

"This bill is not about a vendetta. Nor is it about ending gaming in Arizona. It is, very specifically, about ensuring that the limits on casinos specifically promised back in 2002 during debate on Proposition 202 are realized."

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