The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill that would affirm that two Texas Tribes can offer gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
The passage of the bill would empower the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo (also known as the Tigua Tribe) and Alabama-Coushatta Tribe to achieve self-sufficiency in Texas’ most economically distressed regions. The bill would permit class II bingo and gaming machines at the Tribal establishments — not table games such as poker, blackjack or craps.
In February, a federal judge issued an injunction for the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo to halt operations of bingo and gaming machines at the Tribe’s Speaking Rock Casino near El Paso. In March, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe was similarly prohibited from offering bingo under state law “due to restrictive language in its federal recognition law” at its Naskila Gaming.
While the Kickapoo Tribe operates Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel on its homelands, the other Tribes’ gaming operations have been targets for state interference.
“Of the three federally recognized tribes in the state of Texas, only one is allowed to have Class II gaming on its reservation, creating a situation of fundamental unfairness and inequality,” Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Arizona), the chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, said last month.
The bill — the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Settlement Act, or H.R. 759 — proposes to amend a 1987 act restoring the Tribes’ federal trust relationship. Introduced by U.S. Representatives Will Hurd (TX-23) and Brian Babin (TX-36), the new bill now heads to the Senate.
Rep. Hurd commented, “The revenue earned from this Center would help finance infrastructure projects, provide hundreds of jobs and enrich the lives of the Pueblo. Most other federally-recognized Tribes in the country can offer gaming under federal regulation, the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo should, too.”
If the bill is instated, the Tribes will gain the right to legally operate Class II Gaming.
“The people of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo are grateful to Congressman Hurd for his commitment to our rights for sovereignty and self-determination. We are proud to be an economic engine for El Paso, and we thank Congressman Hurd for his hard work to allow us to continue to support our community,” said Michael Silvas, Governor, Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas voiced its support as well.
“I am pleased House Resolution 759 unanimously passed the United States House of Representatives. This would not have happened without the steadfast leadership provided by both Congressmen Brian Babin and Will Hurd, who’s tireless efforts made it possible,” said Cecelia Flores, Tribal Council Chairwoman, Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas.
