81R37757 CBE-D
By: Chavez H.R. No. 2852
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Tigua Indians of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo of El Paso
are governed under a 1987 federal law, known as The Restoration Act
(25 U.S.C. Section 1300g et seq.), which restored the tribe to
federal jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, The Restoration Act preceded the Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act (IGRA) by a year, and Section 1300g-6 of the
Restoration Act includes the following language: "All gaming
activities which are prohibited by the laws of the State of Texas
are hereby prohibited on the reservation and on the lands of the
tribe"; as a result, the Tiguas entered the gaming industry only
after Texas voters approved several forms of gambling in 1991; and
WHEREAS, The tribe's Speaking Rock Casino and Entertainment
Center earned some $60 million a year and provided its 1,300 members
with jobs, free health insurance, and college scholarships;
however, since a federal court ruling closed the casino, the tribe
has struggled to sustain itself; and
WHEREAS, In contrast, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
in Eagle Pass was extended federal recognition in 1983 and is not
subject to the same gaming prohibition as the Tigua tribe; the
Kickapoos operate the Lucky Eagle Casino, which is subject to the
provisions of the IGRA and oversight by the National Indian Gaming
Commission; all tribal members are employed by the casino, and the
profits have enabled the tribe to build more housing and to
subsidize the education of its young people; and
WHEREAS, Because it is not governed by the Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act, the Tigua tribe is denied the opportunity to
benefit economically from gaming profits and, in turn, the ability
to help improve tribal members' lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby express its support for efforts by the federal
government to amend The Restoration Act by eliminating 25 U.S.C.
Section 1300g-6; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the chief clerk forward an official copy of
this resolution to the presiding officers of the United States
Congress and to all the members of the Texas delegation to Congress.