WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Lumbee tribe are one step closer to federal recognition.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill on Monday, Nov. 16 by voice vote. It now awaits action in the U.S. Senate.
President Donald Trump threw his support behind the bill in October and made a campaign appearance in Lumberton on Oct. 28. Trump said that, “As President, I am committed to looking out for the needs of every American, including those of Native American heritage. For more than a century, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has sought federal recognition, but has been met with indifference and red tape.” Donald Trump Jr. also took up the cause during the 2020 campaign, making multiple visits to Robeson County.
Reps. Dan Bishop, Richard Hudson, and G.K. Butterfield co-sponsored the bill in the House.
“The Lumbee Recognition Act has passed the U.S. House. I’m proud to have sponsored this bill and worked to get it approved,” said Hudson in a statement. “The Lumbee Tribe has fought 132 years for this recognition and I’m hopeful it will now advance in the Senate.”
Bishop said in October “The Lumbee in my district have waited decades for the full federal recognition they deserve. President Trump shows he is their champion, and that full federal recognition—and all the rights that come with it—is near.”
Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis are co-sponsors of the bill in the Senate.
If approved, the bill will extend services and benefits provided to qualified members of federally recognized tribes.
