‘Lumbee Fairness Act’ passes US House, potentially clearing the way for federal recognition

(WWAY) — The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is moving a step towards federal recognition. 

The US House of Representatives passed the Lumbee Fairness Act 311-96, clearing the way for the tribe to receive full federal recognition. The bill will now head to the senate. 

The legislation introduced by Rep. David Rouzer amends the 1956 Lumbee Act, which recognized the tribal nation but did not extend federal services or benefits to tribal members. 

We reached out to the tribe for comment, we received a statement from Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery that reads: 

“I want to thank Congressman Rouzer and all the co-sponsors of the Lumbee Fairness Act for ensuring its passage today in the United States House. Their hard work is to be applauded as they pushed this across the finish line before the House adjourns for Christmas break. This is a great step towards Congress rectifying the 1956 Lumbee Act and ensuring that the remains of the Indian Termination Era policy continues to be dismantled. To our allies in Congress and Indian Country, continue to push forward and let us see this bill adopted by the Senate and finally finish what our ancestors began almost 140 yrs ago.”