(The Center Square) – Federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is in a Senate proposal from Republicans Thom Tillis and Ted Budd.
The proposal mirrors a version in the House of Representatives brought by Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C. President-elect Donald Trump has said he is poised to sign if and when the bills get to his desk after Monday’s inauguration.
Joining Rouzer in bringing the bill were Reps. Richard Hudson, R-N.C.; Valerie Foushee, D-N.C.; Dr. Greg Murphy, R-N.C.; Deborah Ross, D-N.C.; Don Davis, D-N.C.; Addison McDowell, R-N.C.; and Tim Moore, R-N.C.
“I am pleased to learn that the Lumbee Fairness Act has been reintroduced in both the U.S. Senate and House,” said John Lowery, Lumee Trible chairman. “I want to thank Senators Tillis and Budd and Representatives Rouzer and Harris being the main sponsors of our bills in their respective houses and for leading the way as they work toward our full federal recognition.”
The Lumbees, 55,000 strong, are the largest American Indian tribe in the eastern part of the country, a release said. The state recognized the tribe in 1885. In 1956, Congress passed legislation recognizing the tribe but without Lumbee benefits that every other federally recognized tribe receives.
In the 118th Congress, Major Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., never allowed House Resolution 1101 known as the Lumbee Fairness Act to get a vote in the upper chamber after it had passed the House.