The US House passes Catawba Nation casino bill. What it means for Rock Hill’s tribe
The Catawba Nation is one step closer to solidifying the tribe’s first gambling venture after gaining U.S. House of Representatives support.
The Catawba Two Kings casino in Kings Mountain, N.C., opened in a temporary facility in July, but the Rock Hill-based tribe is still waiting for federal approval.
With an overwhelming majority, the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday passed H.R. 1619, referred to as the Catawba Indian Nations Act. The bill was sponsored by U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, as well as Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Rep. William Timmons (R-SC-4), Rep. David Price (D-NC-4), Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC-2) and Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC-1).
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC-5) , who represents the district where the Catawba reservation is in Rock Hill, voted against the bill. He was the only state representative to vote no.
Norman could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.
In North Carolina, the lone no vote was cast by Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-NC-11).
The casino and Catawba’s future
Catawba officials say the casino project will help the tribe’s economic future.
“This bi-partisan legislation is a very significant step toward rectifying historic injustices that have been perpetrated against the Catawba Indian Nation,” Clyburn said. “The enactment of this legislation is critical to helping the Catawba Indian Nation secure economic self-sufficient.”
On Monday, Catawba Chief Bill Harris said the decision “reaffirms the Interior Department’s action recognizing the Catawba Nation’s historical and ancestral ties to North Carolina.”
The bill also establishes federal protection and regulation of the tribe’s gambling endeavors, and ensures that the tribe is the primary beneficiary of the gaming operation.
The casino battle background
In March 2020, the U.S. Department of Interior placed 17 acres in Kings Mountain, NC., into trust of the Catawba Nation. The land is the site for the Catawba Two Kings Casino and Resort. The tribe has been fighting to start the project for eight years.
A 1993 compact, upheld in the latest bill, prevents gambling in South Carolina. It does not apply the tribe’s Kings Mountain land.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina, have sued the Catawbas and Department of Interior, claiming the Kings Mountain land is Cherokee land.
The latest bill’s passage would “reaffirm” the Department of Interior’s decision, Clyburn told the lawmakers on Monday.
The next and final step - passing the U.S. Senate — would end the land battle between the two tribes, concluding it is part of the Catawba’s reservation.
This story was originally published November 2, 2021 at 5:12 PM with the headline "The US House passes Catawba Nation casino bill. What it means for Rock Hill’s tribe."
