Grassley called the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs and asked for an expedited ruling on the appeal. BIA's recognition of the election results is the last remaining hurdle that must be cleared before hundreds of people can return to work at the casino.
"The Bureau of Indian Affairs has been dragging its feet in ruling on this case. I see no reason why former workers at the casino should have to wait any longer," Grassley said. "No matter how the Bureau rules, the workers deserve some certainty."
Grassley has been concerned because the casino closure has resulted in nearly 1,300 area residents losing their jobs. Grassley has previously asked the Department of Interior to step in to help resolve the tribal dispute. The tribe has since held elections with the help of BIA.
Grassley has also pushed the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) to complete the tasks that are necessary to lift the casino closure order. These tasks have largely been completed and the NIGC is now waiting for the BIA ruling.