January 15, 2025 3:40 a.m.

Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley is critical of a federal move regarding a casino that has been proposed by the Coquille Tribe.

In comments provided to News Radio 9-39 FM and 1240 KQEN, Merkley said, “The Biden administration’s approval of the Coquille Indian Tribe’s Medford casino is highly damaging”. Merkley said, “it sets in motion a competition that pits Tribe against Tribe and endangers a special framework Oregon has supported for Tribal casinos. I will be working with my colleagues, including Senator Wyden, to explore pathways to block or even reverse this wrongheaded action”.

The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is one of over 60 Tribal nations that have consistently opposed the proposal.