Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s (TX-16) bipartisan legislation to provide parity in the way both the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes are covered by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
“I’m proud to have passed this bipartisan legislation that fundamentally aims to create parity and equity for two tribes – the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta tribes of Texas – that have been treated differently from all other tribes since the enactment of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988,” said Congresswoman Escobar.
“The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta tribes are the only two tribes in the entire country who have been prohibited from Class II gaming and denied economic opportunities that would allow them to succeed, support job creation, and generate revenue to help fund critical infrastructure. I look forward to continue advocating to ensure this legislation gets to the President’s desk for his signature and finally grant the tribes the rights and opportunities they have been denied for far too long.”
H.R. 2208, the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Act would ensure the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta tribes are covered by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and create parity with the only other federally recognized tribe in Texas, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.
Congresswoman Escobar introduced this bipartisan legislation on March 26, 2021, alongside Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23).
Congressman Gonzales (TX-23) on Wednesday applauded the passage of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Act on the House floor.
“This bill allows our tribal communities and reservations to foster economic development and sovereignty,” said Congressman Gonzales. “As our communities across the state continue to recover from the pandemic, it is a priority that we cut any red tape preventing opportunities to grow our economy and create jobs. I am looking forward to seeing the significant impact this legislation will have on our tribal communities, and I appreciate Congresswoman Escobar’s leadership on the issue.”
The Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Act:
- Ensures that the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribes are covered by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and creates parity with the only other federally recognized Tribe in Texas, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.
- Would not expand gaming in Texas but would allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe to offer electronic bingo on their reservations, something the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has been doing since 1996 without interference from Texas.
Ahead of the bill’s passage, Congresswoman Escobar delivered remarks in support of the legislation.
To view the bill text, click here and to view a fact-sheet, click here.
