The push for full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has taken a significant step forward with the U.S. House of Representatives passing the Lumbee Fairness Act. The bill, which aims to provide federal services and benefits to the Lumbee people, passed with a vote of 311-96 on Tuesday. While the bill received broad support, it also saw opposition from Reps. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.). Notably, Reps. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) and Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.) did not vote.
The Lumbee Tribe, the largest American-Indian tribe east of the Mississippi River and the ninth largest in the country, has long sought federal recognition. The tribe, primarily located in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, and Scotland counties, was denied federal services and benefits under the 1956 Lumbee Act. The Lumbee Fairness Act seeks to rectify this historic oversight.
Since 1885, North Carolina has recognized the Lumbee Tribe, but federal recognition has remained elusive. If passed, the Lumbee Fairness Act would grant the tribe the same rights and benefits as other federally recognized tribes across the nation. John Lowery, the Lumbee tribal chairman, expressed hope that the bill would be adopted by the Senate, bringing the tribe closer to obtaining full recognition.
U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis has introduced companion legislation in the Senate to support the bill’s passage. Rep. David Rouzer, the bill’s author, emphasized the importance of this recognition, noting that for generations, the Lumbee Tribe has been denied full recognition and tribal sovereignty. He thanked his colleagues in the House for their support, stating that the bill would help ensure the Lumbee people receive the same rights and benefits as other tribes.
