Lawmaker urges BIA probe

Lolita C. Baldor

Monday, Feb. 9, 2004 | 8:59 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Nancy Johnson has asked for an immediate Congressional investigation into the Bureau of Indian Affairs' decision last week to grant federal recognition to the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation in Connecticut.

Johnson, R-Conn., sent a letter to the General Accounting Office Friday asking for a probe into whether the BIA overstepped its authority when the agency reversed its earlier decision rejecting the Schaghticoke petition.

"The federal recognition of the Schaghticoke tribe could have far-reaching consequences -- including possible casino development -- which would forever alter the character of western Connecticut," said Johnson in her letter to Comptroller General David M. Walker.

Johnson questioned why the BIA changed its mind and decided that the tribe's state recognition was enough to fill in gaps in the Schaghticoke's political and social activity in the 1800s and 1900s.

And she also asked GAO to investigate whether the BIA is using a special "Connecticut rule," and applying recognition regulations differently in Connecticut than in the rest of the country. She requested that the review be expedited because the state needs "prompt answers."

The BIA ruled last week that the Schaghticokes, who have a reservation in Kent, met all seven criteria for federal recognition, which is the first step toward getting a casino. Recognition also makes the tribe eligible for thousands of dollars in federal funding for education, health care and housing.

State officials have said they will appeal the ruling with the Interior Board of Indian Appeals, and possibly in the courts. Tribal officials, who are looking at possible casino sites in the Danbury area, have said they would rather try and work things out with the state.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said he welcomed Johnson's call for a GAO investigation.

"In the meantime, I call for immediate hearings by relevant committees in both the United States Senate and House of Representatives into potential improper influences and other inappropriate or illegal reasons for this BIA recognition decision," Blumenthal said.