Lawmakers disagree over Cherokee Nation tactic

WASHINGTON, DC -- As reported by the Oklahoman: "Two key Oklahoma lawmakers oppose an effort by a California representative to sever U.S. relations with the Cherokee Nation and cut off its ability to conduct gaming operations because of the controversy over freedmen.

"Reps. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, and Tom Cole, R-Moore, say tribal and judicial review processes are still under way and any congressional action to reverse a Cherokee vote on freedmen membership would be premature.

"Rep. Diane Watson, angry that the Cherokees voted in March to exclude the descendants of freed African slaves, plans to offer legislation this week that would cut off money flowing to the tribe from several federal agencies and suspend its gaming authority. The bill also would allow any freedman descendant to sue the tribe in federal court.

"...The Cherokees claim they have the right to determine who can be a citizen, but others, including the descendants of some Cherokee freedmen, say the tribe is in direct violation of the post-Civil War treaty..."