WASHINGTON – When Sen. John McCain said recently that it was "long overdue time" to review the federal law that paved the way for lucrative Indian casinos, tribal leaders took notice.
The Arizona Republican, after all, helped write the 1988 law and is chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.
Also, a scandal involving a powerful Republican lobbyist who represented Indian casinos has brought new scrutiny to the $19-billion-a-year industry and its growing clout in Washington.
Lawmakers have held a flurry of hearings on Indian gaming and some are considering legislation that would impose more regulations on the industry, including new rules for off-reservation gambling, a hot topic in California. One House member has asked President Bush to order a moratorium on new casinos.
Tribal leaders say that they have been unfairly tainted by the alleged transgressions of one lobbyist and that they have only taken their rightful seat at the table in Washington's power game. Regulations on their casinos are well-enforced and working, they insist.
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