11.   He said he believed the two tribes could put aside their differences to enjoy the benefits of federal recognition.

12.   He said he was captivated by the history behind the case and the research he needed to do to help the tribe gain federal recognition.

13.   However, federal recognition gives tribes considerable leverage to overcome local opposition to casinos.

14.   In short, the board recognized that it may be immune to development if it wins federal recognition as the Upper Neches Scenic River, as Donovan wants.

15.   Last week the Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill that would deny federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

16.   More than two dozen states have already banned gay marriages and Congress has passed the Defense of Marriage Act, which prevents federal recognition of marriages between homosexuals.

17.   Only tribes with federal recognition have authority to build casinos.

18.   President Clinton signed a bill last year which prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

19.   Proponents of the bill originally intended to offer it as an amendment to a measure barring federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

20.   Several tribes in Connecticut and two in central Massachusetts have asked for federal recognition, which is a requirement for tribes to open casinos.