SE North Carolina News

Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis, both Republicans from North Carolina, have reintroduced the Lumbee Fairness Act in an effort to grant federal benefits to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. These benefits are similar to those received by other federally recognized tribes.

The bill's counterpart in the House is spearheaded by Representatives David Rouzer and Mark Harris, with support from Representatives Richard Hudson, Valerie Foushee, Addison McDowell, Deborah Ross, Greg Murphy, Don Davis, and Tim Moore.

Senator Budd expressed that "more than 60,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina have waited decades for federal recognition. They deserve the same rights and privileges granted to other Native American tribes across our country. This is a basic matter of fairness." He added his commitment to work alongside Senator Tillis towards passing the bill into law.

Senator Tillis emphasized his dedication to fulfilling Congress's long-standing promise of full federal recognition for the Lumbee people. "We are now closer than ever to finally fulfilling that promise," he stated. He noted bipartisan support in Congress and backing from both President Biden and President-elect Trump for recognition efforts.

Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery expressed his approval of the reintroduction of the act. "I am pleased to learn that the Lumbee Fairness Act has been reintroduced in both the United States Senate and House," he said. Lowery thanked Senators Tillis and Budd along with Representatives Rouzer and Harris for leading this initiative toward full federal recognition.

Historically, North Carolina recognized the Lumbee Tribe in 1885. The tribe sought federal recognition starting three years later. In 1956, Congress passed legislation recognizing them but included a clause that denied them benefits available to other federally recognized tribes.