Rep. Trent Franks of Arizona wants to bring his Keep the Promise Act to a vote in the House in the hopes of shutting down the Desert Diamond West Valley Casino and Resort near Glendale.
The Tohono O’odham Nation opened Phoenix-area casino in December, but it remains highly controversial and the subject of a federal lawsuit and the attempt by Franks and several other representatives and both of Arizona’s U.S. senators.
Franks’ bill would shut the casino for the next 20 years if it becomes law. Last November Franks lost a vote to advance the bill, which is also supported by the state of Arizona and several competing gaming tribes.
“it’s still something I strongly support and intend to pursue,” he told Politico last week.
The Gila River Indian Community, one of the tribes that oppose the Tohono casino, has so far spent $690,000 in lobbying during the first quarter of the year. Last week it and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community resigned from the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, citing the association’s neutrality on the split between tribes.
