Washington, D.C. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva released the following statement today on Rep. Trent Franks’ legislation to stop the Tohono O’odham Nation from taking unincorporated land in the West Valley into trust under the terms of Public Law 99-503:

“This bill seeks to reverse 25 years of public law for no reason I can tell. I strongly oppose it because of the significant negative impacts it could have on Indian Country across the United States. The correct venue for this issue is the court system, where there have already been multiple rulings in favor of the Nation. This bill could open a Pandora’s box in terms of breaking the federal government’s commitmentswhenever it suits a particular interest. I expect many of my Congressional colleagues will join me in opposing this latest attempt to renege on another solemn promise to Indian tribes.”