North Charlotte Today

Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, alongside Representatives David Rouzer and Mark Harris, have introduced the Lumbee Fairness Act. This legislation aims to provide federal benefits to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, aligning them with other federally recognized tribes. The bill is supported by Representatives Richard Hudson, Valerie Foushee, Addison McDowell, Deborah Ross, Greg Murphy, Don Davis, and Tim Moore.

Senator Tillis stated his commitment to fulfilling Congress's long-standing promise for full federal recognition of the Lumbee people. He noted bipartisan support in Congress and backing from both President Biden and President-elect Trump. "This bill has passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support over the past three Congresses," he said.

Senator Budd emphasized that over 60,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe have awaited recognition for decades. "They deserve the same rights and privileges granted to other Native American tribes across our country," he said.

Representative Rouzer highlighted historical injustices faced by the tribe due to statutes from the Indian Termination era. "The Lumbee Fairness Act corrects the wrongs written in statute during the Indian Termination era," he explained.

Representative Harris expressed optimism about achieving federal recognition for the tribe. "For far too long, the Lumbee Tribe has been wrongfully denied federal recognition – but now more than ever we are closer to that goal," he remarked.

Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery expressed gratitude for reintroducing the act in both legislative houses. He thanked Senators Tillis and Budd along with Representatives Rouzer and Harris for their sponsorship.

Representative Hudson called for addressing historical injustices against the tribe: "We must right this historic wrong done to the Lumbee Tribe."

Representative Ross reiterated her support: "It is long past time that the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina receives full federal recognition."

Representative McDowell acknowledged the tribe's significance in North Carolina's history: "I’m proud to co-sponsor the Lumbee Fairness Act—it’s time they received full recognition."

The Lumbee Tribe was formally recognized by North Carolina in 1885 but has sought federal recognition since 1888. The 1956 Lumbee Act provided conditional federal recognition which was later terminated under Indian termination policies.

Support for full recognition comes from various quarters including over 230 federally recognized tribes, President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect Vance, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and others.