NIGA Discuss Tribal Gaming Future in Washington

Dec. 7, 2012 - PRLog -- On Tuesday, December 4, 2012, the National Indian Gaming Association invited Tribal leaders and Indian gaming professionals to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for a special legislative summit on the eve of the White House Tribal Nations Conference.
The one-day event invited Congressional leaders to provide an update to 160 participants, attended by elected Tribal officials and their gaming facility representatives.
Attendees were provided a packet of Legislative Priorities from the Association, a summary of the DOJ Change in Legal Position on Internet Gaming, the IRS taxation of benefits summary, and an update on the National Indian Gaming Commission rulemaking activities.

“Indian country has been engaged with Congress to achieve a new level of respect for tribal sovereignty,” Chairman Ernie Stevens said. “We take Arizona Congressman Cozart’s Constitutional recommendation that ‘Indian tribes should meet directly with Congress,’ and with Oklahoma Congressman, our only Indian member of the House, Tom Cole’s encouragement to stay involved to promote Indian sovereignty.”

“We appreciate all of the members who visited with us today who have shown their high level of respect for Indian tribes, Indian people and Indian sovereignty.”

United States Senators Maria Cantwell (WA), Mark Beigich (AK), John Barasso (WY), John Hoeven (ND), and Daniel Akaka (HI) provided an update on their progress for Indian country. Represetnatives Tom Cole (OK), Jeff Denham (CA), Betty McCollum (MN), Kristi Noem (SD), Frank Pallone (NJ), Jim Moran (VA), Dan Benishek (MI), Nick Rahall (WV), Paul A. Gosar (AZ), and Tom McClintock (CA) provided an update on the House’s progress for Indian country.

Attendees also received updates from Richard Litsey Counsel and Senior Advisor Indian Affairs and for Finance, Steffani A. Cochran Vice Chairwoman for the National Indian Gaming Commission, Loretta Tuell Majority Staff Director and Chief Counsel for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Kevin Washburn Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs.