WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd along with Representatives David Rouzer and Mark Harris led the introduction of the Lumbee Fairness Act, legislation to grant long-overdue federal benefits to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina that every other federally recognized tribe receives. Joining Tillis, Budd, Rouzer and Harris in introducing the legislation are Representatives Richard Hudson, Valerie Foushee, Addison McDowell, Deborah Ross, Greg Murphy, Don Davis, and Tim Moore.
“I am dedicated to ensuring that Congress fulfills its six-decade-old promise to grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee people. We are now closer than ever to finally fulfilling that promise,” said Senator Tillis. “There is clearly strong bipartisan support for this effort in Congress, and both President Biden and President-elect Trump firmly back recognition. This bill has passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support over the past three Congresses. I will continue to pursue all options to finally achieve full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe.”
“More than 60,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina have waited decades for federal recognition,” said Senator Budd. “They deserve the same rights and privileges granted to other Native American tribes across our country. This is a basic matter of fairness. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Tillis to finally get this bill passed and signed into law.”
“The federal government has denied generations of Lumbee Tribe members the full recognition and tribal sovereignty granted to other federally-recognized tribes,” said Rep. Rouzer. “The Lumbee Fairness Act corrects the wrongs written in statute during the Indian Termination era and restores the rightful benefits and services the Lumbee Tribe has long been refused. This legislation received broad bipartisan support during this past Congress, a symbol of the understanding and support for the sovereignty of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.”
“For far too long, the Lumbee Tribe has been wrongfully denied federal recognition – but now more than ever we are closer to that goal,” said Rep. Harris. “Last Congress, members across the aisle overwhelmingly supported giving full federal recognition and rights to the Lumbee Tribe – and we can't lose that momentum now. With over 55,000 individuals, the Lumbee people are a core part of my district and North Carolina – I am honored to be their advocate in Washington. As one of my first acts in Congress, I promise to use every tool at my disposal to see the Lumbee Fairness Act signed into law. I am thankful for Representative Rouzer being a long-time champion for the Lumbee Tribe – let’s get this legislation over the finish line!”
“I am pleased to learn that the Lumbee Fairness Act has been reintroduced in both the United States Senate and House,” said Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery. “I want to thank Senators Tillis and Budd and Representatives Rouzer and Harris for being the main sponsors of our bills in their respective houses and for leading the way as they work towards our full federal recognition.”
“We must right this historic wrong done to the Lumbee Tribe and give them the full federal recognition they deserve,” said Rep. Hudson.
“It is long past time that the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina receives full federal recognition,” said Rep. Ross. “I am proud to join my North Carolina colleagues on both sides of the aisle in reintroducing the Lumbee Fairness Act, which would give the Lumbee Tribe the recognition they deserve. This critical, bipartisan legislation passed the House last Congress, and I am hopeful we can get it done this Congress.”
“The Lumbee Tribe has been an integral part of North Carolina’s history and culture,” said Rep. McDowell. "I’m proud to co-sponsor the Lumbee Fairness Act—it’s time the federal government gave them the full recognition that they’ve waited far too long to receive.”
“I’m proud that the Lumbee Fairness Act is one of the first bills I’ve cosponsored in Congress, ensuring the Lumbee Tribe finally receives the respect and resources they deserve from our government,” said Rep. Moore. “This bipartisan legislation just makes sense — it’s about ensuring fairness and delivering the same federal benefits to the Lumbee Tribe that every other federally recognized tribe receives. I’m committed to working across the aisle to advance this bill and make sure the Lumbee people get the support they’ve long been promised.”
Background
The Lumbee Tribe is the largest American-Indian tribe in the Eastern United States. In 1885, North Carolina formally recognized the Lumbee Tribe. Three years later, the Tribe began to seek federal recognition. On June 7, 1956, Congress enacted the Lumbee Act at the height of the Indian termination policy era, which provided the Lumbee with federal recognition but included an unfair caveat that terminated their recognition.
The Lumbee Tribe has received support from over 230 federally recognized tribes, President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect Vance, President Biden, Vice President Harris, the North Carolina General Assembly, and various Native American scholars and organizations.
Full text of the Lumbee Fairness Act is available HERE.
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