Vote On Bill To Block Casino Near Glendale Delayed In Congress

Published: Tuesday, October 27, 2015 - 8:45am
Updated: Tuesday, October 27, 2015 - 9:59am
(Photo courtesy of the Tohono O’odham Nation)
Tohono O'odham Nation officials say construction of the Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley near 95th and Northern avenues is on schedule. The casino will open as a Class II facility instead of a Class III.

A bill aiming to prevent the Tohono O’odham Nation from opening a casino near Glendale until 2027 has been delayed in Congress. The “Keeping the Promise Act" had been scheduled for a U.S. House vote Monday.

The legislation was scheduled on what Congress calls a “suspension calendar.” Bills on this calendar are subject to limited debate and no additional amendments can be offered.

The move to put the bill there was initiated by Arizona Republican Rep. Trent Franks last week. Southern Arizona Democrat Rep. Raul Grijalva objected.

In a letter to House leaders, Grijalva argued scheduling a bill like this on the suspension calendar, which is typically used for non-controversial legislation, would create a dangerous precedent.

H.R. 308 has not yet been rescheduled for consideration.

Business