Rep. Robert Pittenger
WASHINGTON – The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian, Insular, and Alaska Native Affairs today announced a legislative hearing on Congressman Robert Pittenger’s Lumbee Recognition Act (H.R. 3650), scheduled for Tuesday, September 26th.
“This is the next step in bringing Lumbee recognition up for a vote,” said Congressman Pittenger (NC-09). “The Lumbee Tribe has sought full federal recognition since 1888. We are working closely with the Lumbee Tribe and other leaders to ensure a strong showing next Tuesday.”
Congress recognized the Lumbee Tribe in 1956, but unfairly prevented the tribe from receiving federal benefits. As a result, the Lumbee Tribe is not eligible for vital economic development programs through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and following Hurricane Matthew was unable to receive disaster relief in the manner normally available to other federally-recognized tribes.
The Lumbee Recognition Act (H.R. 3650) would grant the Lumbee Tribe full federal recognition.
Earlier this month, Congressman Pittenger hosted Lumbee Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin for a meeting with House Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (UT-01) to urge the scheduling of a committee hearing on H.R. 3650.
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