William Bryan: “Senators Enzi, Reid and I are today introducing legislation to stop the Interior Department from moving forward with…”

“Senators Enzi, Reid and I are today introducing legislation to stop the Interior Department from moving forward with regulations that in my view trample on States rights and invade the province of Governors and State legislators to determine what kinds of gaming activities will occur in their States. This proposed regulation flies in the face of the intent of Congress. I must say I am disappointed we are forced to take this step and would hope that the Secretary of the Interior would reconsider his ill-advised action. Last week the Secretary of Interior proposed rules that would allow the Interior Department to be the sole arbiter in the compacting process as to what kinds of gaming activities can be conducted on Native American lands. This is being done over the strong objections of the Nation's Governors and the Nation's Attorneys General, as well as the intent of Congress. I believe that in so doing, the Secretary is overstepping his authority and is making a grave mistake.”