Shelley Berkley: “the goal of passing today's legislation is to help businesses in the gulf coast region reopen their doors and get people…”

“the goal of passing today's legislation is to help businesses in the gulf coast region reopen their doors and get people back to work. However, this legislation excludes perhaps the most important industry in the region that employs over 50,000 people in Mississippi and Louisiana and pays over $800 million in State and local tax revenue, that is, the gaming industry. The gaming industry has made substantial contribution to the regional economy of the gulf coast and will invest billions of dollars as it rebuilds, making it an essential part of restoring employment, economic growth, and tax revenue to the area. {time} 1500 I am dismayed that the biased view of one congressman has resulted in this bill excluding a group of employers that provide good jobs and tax revenue to the hurricane-ravaged region. I am astounded that one Member who has a long-held contempt for the gaming industry can insert language in this legislation, which is supposed to be helping the victims of Katrina, that will prevent thousands of our fellow citizens from going back to work, going back to their homes, reuniting with their families, and begin to live a normal life again. I am angry that we are carving out an exception for one business in this legislation, a legitimate business, a well-regulated business, a business whose companies are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, a business that employs thousands of people in the region and generates millions of dollars in tax revenue.…”