Alabama tribe could get federal recognition for casino

Monday, December 5, 2022 5:36 PM
  • Katarina Vojvodic , PlayUSA

It’s been forty years since the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians started the long process to gain federal sovereignty designation. That change would allow them to access millions of dollars in health care, education, and economic development benefits. The move would also bring them the ability to expand Alabama gambling.

Richard Shelby is an American lawyer and politician serving as the senior United States senator from Alabama whose efforts began in the early 1980s.

Shelby’s retirement, which is only a few weeks away, makes the tribe worried their rights could be taken from them.

Shelby is a ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. That body is considered among the most potent committees with great power to authorize federal spending priorities.