House Bill To Block Casino Near Glendale Fails — May Not Be Dead Yet
Download mp3 (1.04 MB)
A bill that would block the opening of a casino near Glendale failed in Congress Monday.
The U.S. House of Representatives version of the so-called “Keep the Promise Act” would have passed earlier in the day on a voice vote, but Arizona Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva forced a formal vote. A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate.
Having a formal vote meant H.R. 308’s proponents needed a two-thirds majority to pass it. While the final results were strongly in favor of the bill, they failed to meet that threshold.
The Associated Press is reporting the bill could still be revived.
Arizona Republican Reps. Trent Franks and Paul Gosar argued on the House floor Monday that the Tohono O’odham Nation’s plans to open the casino under federal law violate the state’s voter-approved gaming compact.
Grijalva forced a formal vote after decrying H.R. 308's placement on a suspension calendar, which he said prevented a full debate and the ability to add amendments.
The Tohono O’odham Nation has said it will open the casino under federal law. It recently announced installation of gaming equipment and projected the Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley will open by Dec. 20.
Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Edward D. Manuel released a statement after the vote asking Congress to continue opposition to the bill.
“Today, David beat Goliath again,” Manuel’s statement said. “The special interests spent $17 million trying to rush this harmful bill through, but in the end it came down to the facts. The more that members of Congress examine this legislation, the more they recognize how harmful it is for Arizona workers, the Nation, and tribes across the U.S.”
