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Senate Rejects Moratorium on Recognition of New Tribes

"By an overwhelming 80-15 vote, the Senate tabled the amendment proposed by Sens. Christopher J. Dodd and Joseph I. Lieberman, both D-Conn., calling for improvements in the way the federal government grants sovereignty to tribes.

"The defeat came as no surprise to Dodd, who admitted it was an `uphill battle' to gain more support for the amendment that was opposed by a powerful colleague, Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, as well as Indian tribes and business groups that hope to work with tribes on casino projects.

"…Dodd and Lieberman pushed for the moratorium saying that both tribes and communities would benefit from a recognition process that is fairer, more transparent, and well defined. The moratorium would have lasted one year or until the BIA enacted new regulations to better define the criteria and standard of proof for tribal recognition.

"`The vote is certainly a setback for our state in the effort to reform the recognition process,' said Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. `But it's by no means fatal. It heightens the importance of our appeal of the (BIA decision granting federal recognition to the Eastern Pequot tribe), and ultimately may be a prelude to serious fundamental change in system.'

"…Both Dodd and Lieberman argued that Connecticut is being overwhelmed by the disproportionately large number of tribes seeking recognition in the small state. Three tribes have been recognized -- two of those operate highly successful casinos - and nine others have applications pending. A number of the applicants have suggested they would also consider opening casinos."

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