Katie Porter: “I appreciate this opportunity--and to my colleagues, in a bipartisan effort--to make sure we can maintain restrictions…”

“I appreciate this opportunity--and to my colleagues, in a bipartisan effort--to make sure we can maintain restrictions on off-reservation casinos and gambling. I want to point out five key areas, Mr. Speaker, that, I think, are part of the argument. First and foremost, I do support tribal gaming. I think it's been very successful. As a matter of fact, a number of our properties from Nevada are partners across the country with tribal gaming establishments. So, when the rules are followed, I think it's a very appropriate approach to revenues for the communities. But first of all, Mr. Speaker, the bill authorizes an unprecedented expansion of off-reservation gaming. Never before has the U.S. Congress been in the business of deciding whether a community should and can have a casino. I don't think it's the job of the U.S. Congress to make decisions for local and State governments. Does that mean someone from Iowa or from Illinois or from Arizona could come in and request to have a casino in their back yard? I don't think that was the intent of the Tribal Gaming Act. And this is a dangerous precedent. It permits unlimited expansion across this country.”