§2704 National Indian Gaming Commission

Summary

Creates a three-member National Indian Gaming Commission inside the Department of the Interior. One member is the Chairman, chosen by the President with Senate approval, and two are associate members chosen by the Secretary of the Interior. The Attorney General must run a background check on nominees. The Secretary must publish a nominee’s name and key details in the Federal Register and allow at least 30 days for public comment. No more than two members can be from the same political party, and at least two must be enrolled members of an Indian tribe. Members normally serve three-year terms, with the initial set giving two members three years (including the Chairman) and one member one year. People convicted of a felony or gaming offense, or who have financial or management ties to gaming or approved gaming management contracts, cannot serve. The President (or the Secretary for associate members) can remove a Commissioner early for neglect, wrongdoing, or other good cause. Vacancies are filled the same way as the original appointments. Two members, one of whom must be the Chairman or Vice Chairman, make a quorum. The Commission picks a Vice Chairman by majority vote. It must meet at least once every four months and when called by the Chairman or a majority. The Chairman is paid at Executive Schedule level IV, associates at level V, and members are reimbursed for travel and necessary expenses under federal rules.