The U.S. Capitol was pictured on November 26, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Congress is again looking at giving federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe from North Carolina.
This happens as Donald Trump returns to office. A group of bipartisan lawmakers from the state introduced the bill on Thursday.
The bill was proposed by Republican leaders like Senator Thom Tillis, Senator Ted Budd, Representative David Rouzer, and Representative Mark Harris.
If passed, it would grant the Lumbee Tribe, a group of over 55,000 people, federal rights. These rights include access to housing, financial, and health care benefits, just like other federally recognized tribes.
Other lawmakers from North Carolina, including four Republicans and three Democrats, also supported the bill.
Senator Tillis said, “I am committed to keeping the six-decade-old promise to grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe.
With strong bipartisan support and backing from both President Biden and President Trump, we are closer than ever to making this happen.” Tillis noted that the bill passed the House with wide support in the last three Congresses but didn’t advance in the Senate.
President Trump, during his campaign, promised to sign a recognition bill if it reached his desk.
In a 2024 rally, he called out the delay, saying, “The Lumbee Tribe has been unfairly denied federal recognition for over a century. I will sign legislation to grant them the recognition they deserve.”
The Lumbee Tribe has been trying to gain federal recognition for over 140 years. Although North Carolina recognized the tribe in 1885, Congress has never granted full recognition.
Even though Trump and Biden both supported the recognition in 2020, no law was passed during Trump’s first term. Both candidates in the 2024 race supported Lumbee’s recognition again.
In 1956, Congress acknowledged the Lumbee but did not grant them the benefits of federal recognition.
This decision was consistent with policies during President Eisenhower’s time that limited tribal self-governance.
Representative Deborah Ross, a Democrat, stated, “It’s long overdue for the Lumbee Tribe to receive full federal recognition.
I am proud to work with colleagues from both parties to reintroduce this important bill, which passed the House last time. I am hopeful it will pass this time as well.”
However, the Lumbee recognition effort faces opposition. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other Cherokee tribes argue that the historical evidence does not support Lumbee’s claims.
Critics point out that the Lumbee was previously identified as the Cherokee Indians of Robeson County before seeking recognition as the Lumbee Tribe.
Principal Chief Michell Hicks expressed concerns, saying, “This bill undermines the sacrifices of tribes that fought hard for recognition. Recent expert analysis questions the Lumbee’s claims, and Congress must take this into account.”
Opponents suggest the Lumbee should go through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which evaluates claims based on history, genealogy, and anthropology.
The Lumbee’s 1985 petition for recognition through this office was denied. For years, the Department of the Interior said the Lumbee Act of 1956 prevented the tribe from using this process, but this interpretation changed in 2016.
Now, with strong bipartisan support and renewed attention from Trump, the Lumbee Tribe’s push for recognition has a new chance to succeed.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
