From: e-Dear Colleague

Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2015 1:54 PM

To: E-DEARCOLL_PARTY_0000@ls2.house.gov
Subject: Democratic: Dear Colleague: Join Us in Opposing H.R. 308

Join Us in Opposing H.R. 308

From: The Committee on Natural Resources - Minority Staff

Sent By: daniel.torrez@mail.house.gov
Date: 4/16/2015
Join Us in Opposing H.R. 308

Dear Colleague,
As members of the House Natural Resources Committee, we write to ask that you oppose H.R.
308 (Franks, R-AZ); the cynically titled "Keep the Promise Act of 2015." Proponents are
attempting to fast track it for swift passage without an examination of the key issues.
H.R. 308 is the worst kind of special interest legislation. If enacted, it would deprive a federally
recognized Indian tribe of property rights to reservation lands that have been confirmed by the
federal courts, and in the process destroy thousands of jobs and millions in local investments.
The Gila Bend Act - approved and enacted by Congress 25 years ago - entitled the Tohono
Oodham Nation to acquire non-reservation land anywhere within three Arizona counties in
order to replace original reservation lands flooded by the Painted Rock Dam. The settlement
specifically promised that the Nation could acquire new replacement land that could be used by
the Nation for economic development and as a federal reservation for ALL purposes."
And now, because the Tohono Oodham Nation has selected a certain kind of economic
development, which will provide competition to some special interests in the area, Congress is
going to step in and rewrite the deal.
That is what H.R. 308 does it targets ONE tribe, and retroactively prohibits a specific casino,
on their reservation land, that is already under construction, because other, wealthy interests
dont want the competition.

Construction of the West Valley Resort is already moving forward, with millions of dollars
invested in site preparation, concrete, and steelwork. Millions of dollars are already flowing
into the local economy.
More than 45 companies have been retained for the construction of this project, both within
Arizona and nationally. 1,300 workers are currently under contract. Once completed, more than
500 new, permanent jobs will be created in the community. This is why many of the
surrounding cities - and hundreds of business leaders and trade organizations - are supporting
this project.
Since 2009, virtually every one of the arguments used by proponents to justify this legislation
has been rejected before courts and federal agencies. H.R. 308 would overturn no less than
sixteen court and federal agency decisions that favor the Tohono O'odham Nation.
Not only does H.R. 308 undermine a commitment made to the Tribe in 1986, it would also
subject the federal government to a lawsuit for a taking of the Tribes property rights. CBO has
indicated this will likely lead to a successful taking claim that would cost taxpayers millions of
dollars.
Basic respect for Tribal sovereignty, basic respect for the status of land held in trust, and basic
respect for the American taxpayers money dictate that Congress should stay out of this.
Join us in OPPOSING H.R. 308.
Sincerely,

Ral M. Grijalva

Tom McClintock

Ranking Member

Chairman, Subcommittee on Federal Lands

Committee on Natural Resources

Committee on Natural Resources

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