NAN A. S. HAYWORTH: “Mr. Speaker, the Gila River Indian community is currently a finalist in the new Arizona Cardinals Stadium site selection…”

“Mr. Speaker, the Gila River Indian community is currently a finalist in the new Arizona Cardinals Stadium site selection process. In connection with the possible development of the stadium on the Gila River Indian Community's reservation, the issue has arisen regarding the need for certainty with respect to resolution of contract disputes between the Gila River Indian Community and its business lease tenants. Many of the community's commercial contracts provide for arbitration of disputes. They further provide that the agreement to arbitrate and any arbitration decision may be enforced in either tribal or Federal court. Unfortunately, tenants and their lenders remain uncomfortable with the tribal court for a variety of reasons, and Federal courts would lack jurisdiction over contract disputes between private business entities and Indian tribes. In addition to the possible development of a stadium site, the community has developed the business part for high-end commercial uses. Since potential business partners see no viable means to enforce contract and land lease arbitration provisions, some very good potential tenants for the community's business park and other potential business partners have in the past decided to look elsewhere.”