In a landmark decision, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Lumbee Fairness Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Representative David Rouzer (R-NC). This legislation seeks to provide full federal recognition and associated protections to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, a status the tribe has pursued since 1888.
The Lumbee Tribe, primarily residing in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland counties, is the largest American Indian tribe in the eastern United States, with over 55,000 members. Despite state recognition granted in 1885, the tribe has long been denied full federal acknowledgment, limiting access to essential services and benefits available to other federally recognized tribes.
The Lumbee Fairness Act aims to amend the Lumbee Act of 1956, which recognized the tribe as Indian but withheld full federal benefits. By securing federal recognition, the Lumbee people would gain access to critical resources, including healthcare, education, and housing services, placing them on equal footing with other federally recognized tribes.
Representative Rouzer expressed pride in the House’s decision, stating, “The Lumbee people are an integral part of our community, but generations have been denied full federal recognition and tribal sovereignty. I am proud the House came together to ensure the Lumbee people have the same rights and benefits as the other federally recognized tribes across the country.”
The bill passed the House with a vote of 311 to 96, reflecting significant bipartisan support. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a leading advocate for the Lumbee Tribe, introduced companion legislation in the Senate and has been instrumental in advancing the cause. Senator Tillis remarked, “More than six decades ago, Congress made a promise to recognize the Lumbee Tribe, but then failed to keep it. I’m committed to making sure the Lumbee’s finally get the full recognition they deserve.”
Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery expressed gratitude for the legislative progress, noting, “It has been almost 70 years since the 1956 Act was passed. It is clearly time for Congress to provide the Lumbee People with the benefits that are inherent to federally recognized tribes.”
The journey toward federal recognition has faced opposition from some quarters. Notably, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other tribes have expressed concerns regarding the Lumbee’s historical claims and the potential implications of their recognition. Despite this, the Lumbee Fairness Act has garnered support from both sides of the political aisle, with endorsements from President Biden and former President Trump.
The bill now advances to the Senate, where its proponents are optimistic about its prospects. If enacted, the Lumbee Fairness Act will rectify a longstanding injustice, granting the Lumbee Tribe the federal recognition and benefits they have sought for over a century.
