My bipartisan bill to repeal an antiquated 19th century prohibition of distilleries on tribal land passed the U.S. House by unanimous voice vote on September 13.
This issue is a matter of fairness; Washington, D.C. shouldn’t be in the business of telling Indian country it cannot engage in a business that’s allowed everywhere else and is actually helping many neighboring areas revitalize their local economies. I was proud to shepherd this bill through the U.S. House in a bipartisan manner.
This legislation would allow tribes to increase economic development by permitting distilleries on tribal lands. The Chehalis Tribe is planning to build and operate a distillery, brewery and restaurant that would bring about 100 new jobs to Southwest Washington. You can watch the remarks I gave on the House floor in support of my bill.