The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that would allow two Texas Indian tribes to establish Class II gaming facilities on their reservation lands.
The Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Settlement Act passed the House unanimously. The bill introduced by U.S. Reps. Will Hurd and Brian Babin would allow the federally recognized tribes Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo at the at Speaking Rock Entertainment Center in El Paso.
and the Alabama-Coushatta at the in Livingston to legally operate Class II gaming.
The revenue earned from this center would help finance infrastructure projects, provide hundreds of jobs and enrich the lives of the Pueblo.
“The people of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo are grateful to Congressman Hurd for his commitment to our rights for sovereignty and self determination, said Michael Silvas, governor of the Yleta Del Sur Pueblo. “We are proud to be an economic engine for El Paso, and we thank Congressman Hurd for his hard work to allow us to continue to support our community.”
“I am pleased House Resolution 759 unanimously passed the United States House of Representatives,” said Cecelia Flores, tribal council chairwoman, Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. “This would not have happened without the steadfast leadership provided by both Congressmen Brian Babin and Will Hurd, whose tireless efforts made it possible.”
“As a representative with more tribes in their district than any other Texan, it is my solemn obligation to fight on behalf of Texas’ native people,” said Hurd. “I am a proud Texan; there is no greater state in the Union, no prouder people than we Texans, and for all the blessings bestowed upon the Lone Star State, we still fall short in our efforts of providing true economic stability to our Native American tribes.
“The Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo are the oldest community in the state of Texas, claiming a governing body since 1682. During the Texas Revolution it was the Alabama-Coushatta of East Texas who provided refuge, food and medicine to the great Sam Houston and his army. Their story is sown into the fabric of Texas’ history.
“H.R. 759 is not about whether one agrees or disagrees with gambling. This bill isn’t about gambling. It’s about letting two tribes in two of Texas’ most economically distressed zones engage in what every other tribe in America engages in. This bill would allow these two tribes in Texas to do bingo. That’s it. Not blackjack. Not poker. Not Craps. Just bingo.
“For too long, the Alabama Coushatta and Tigua tribes have been prevented from achieving self-sufficiency. It is time we right this wrong.”
