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Yesterday, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) introduced the bipartisan Tribal Gaming Regulatory Compliance Act with Representative Morgan Luttrell (TX-08). This legislation would ensure all federally recognized tribes that are eligible for gaming in the United States are regulated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

“Equality for all federally recognized tribes is long overdue,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “Following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in Ysleta del Sur Pueblo et al v. Texas, this legislation is a continuation of my efforts to codify equal treatment and opportunities under the law.”

“I’m proud to introduce the Tribal Gaming Regulatory Compliance Act to ensure these Tribes have equal opportunities for economic growth and job creation,” said Congressman Luttrell. “Clarifying that the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe is covered under IGRA will allow them to continue investing in their community and providing essential government services on the reservation.” 

Congresswoman Escobar has been a consistent defender of the sovereignty and prosperity of Native American tribes.

In April 2021, Congresswoman Escobar introduced the original legislation, the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Act to grant these tribes gaming rights. It passed the House in May 2021.

In June 2022, the Supreme Court Ysleta del Sur Pueblo et al v. Texas decision found that the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe was eligible to offer electronic bingo and other types of games that were not prohibited by the State of Texas.

As a result, an updated version of the legislation was re-introduced in 2023 by Representatives Escobar and Luttrell, who were joined by 32 other Members of Congress. 

The full bill text can be found here.