U.S. Representative Richard Hudson has introduced the Lumbee Fairness Act, a bill aimed at granting federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. The legislation is supported by Reps. David Rouzer and Mark Harris, along with Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd. The bill seeks to address what Rep. Hudson describes as a “historic wrong” against the tribe.
The initiative is bipartisan and bicameral, gaining additional support from Reps. Valerie Foushee, Addison McDowell, Deborah Ross, Greg Murphy, Don Davis, and Tim Moore.
The Lumbee Tribe was formally recognized by North Carolina in 1885 but has sought federal recognition since 1888. Over the years, more than 30 attempts have been made in Congress to achieve this status for the tribe.
Bipartisan efforts have seen some success in the House of Representatives where similar legislation passed six times, including during the last session of Congress.
The full text of the bill can be accessed online.
