Maxine Waters: “I am in opposition to the Weldon amendment, which would have a devastating impact on many Indian tribes throughout our…”

“I am in opposition to the Weldon amendment, which would have a devastating impact on many Indian tribes throughout our nation. The Weldon amendment would prohibit the Department of the Interior from implementing important regulations for mediating differences between states and Indian tribes on Indian gaming activities. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act requires Indian tribes to negotiate compacts with state governments for the operation of certain types of gaming facilities. In the event that states and tribes are unable to negotiate a compact, the Act gives the Department of the Interior the authority to mediate between the states and the tribes. The Department of the Interior's regulations are essential to ensure that tribes can operate gaming facilities when states refuse to negotiate compacts in good faith. The supporters of this amendment claim that the Department of the Interior's regulations would 'bypass' state authority. Nothing could be further from the truth. The regulations come into play only after a state has refused to negotiate a compact with a tribe. Furthermore, during the mediation process, the state has several opportunities to join the process and participate as a full party to the negotiations. This amendment would encourage states to ignore their obligation to negotiate with tribes that seek to operate gaming facilities.”