Political Quotes

“the question we face today is not whether one is for or against gaming. The fact is that gambling has been part of our society for a long, long time--and it probably will continue to be that way. The question we face today is what role should the Federal Government play in regulating gambling. I am not sure what that role should be. I am not convinced that today's system of checks and balances is broken. Today, the States have been used as the primary regulatory body that oversees commercial gaming. Like my friend from Massachusetts, I thought the Republicans would be happy knowing that the States are regulating gaming operations--much like the Republicans want the States to regulate WIC, school lunch programs, welfare, and Medicaid. But if this study is going to happen, it should not be used as a vehicle to attack Indian gaming and the sovereignty of tribal governments. Mr. Speaker, if one was reading the Washington Post this morning, they may be led to believe that Indian tribes who engage in gaming are basically unregulated entities operating casinos across the country. But as we know, nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that Indian gaming is the most heavily regulated gaming industry in America. The tribes have three layers of regulatory bodies they have to deal with. The tribes themselves have their own law enforcement and court systems to provide oversight on the reservations.”