Political Quotes

“on April 12, 1999, Thomas Jefferson must have turned over in his grave. That Monday, the Secretary of the Interior promulgated a regulation which had the potential to unilaterally strip the duly elected Governors of America of their decision-making authority on the issue of casino gambling. That day, the Secretary published regulations that would circumvent the State-tribal compact negotiation process by allowing tribes to apply directly to the Department of Interior for the approval of Class III gaming. If the Secretary determines that the State and tribe have not been able to reach an agreement, he, alone, can grant the tribes the authority to engage in Class III gaming. Class III gaming is the sort of gambling you might find in Atlantic City or Las Vegas--blackjack, slot machines, craps, roulette. It's an old story, Mr. President: Washington knows best. But in an era when we have correctly determined that political decisions are best made at the State and local level, this complete abrogation of States' rights is particularly outrageous. Today, Senator Enzi and I are taking steps to reverse the Interior Department's power grab. Our amendment to the Interior Appropriations bill would preserve the fundamental right of every State to decide whether or not it wants Class III Indian gaming within its borders.”