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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum to the Secretary of the Interior to submit a plan to advance full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Congressmen David Rouzer (R-NC-07), whose district includes Robeson County, home of the Tribe, released the following statement:
“I want to thank President Trump for his support and work recognizing the need for full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe,” said Congressman Rouzer. “Denied the services of other federally-recognized tribes for decades, Congress can correct this wrong by passing my bill, the Lumbee Fairness Act, and sending it to the President’s desk to become law.”
Per the executive order, the Secretary of Interior has 90 days to submit a plan to the President to assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full federal recognition, including through legislation. Congressman Rouzer and members of the North Carolina delegation recently introduced H.R. 474, the Lumbee Fairness Act, to make Lumbee Tribe members eligible for the services provided to members of federally recognized tribes.
Background:
The Lumbee Tribe consists of more than 55,000 members, making it the largest American-Indian tribe east of the Mississippi River and the ninth largest tribe in the nation. Members of the Lumbee Tribe reside primarily in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, and Scotland Counties.
In 1885, the State of North Carolina formally recognized the Lumbee Tribe. In 1956, Congress recognized the Lumbee as an Indian Tribe when they enacted the Lumbee Act, but the bill unfairly denied the Lumbee any federal services and benefits associated with such recognition. Legislation restoring the federal relationship has been introduced in Congress more than 30 times and has passed the House of Representatives at least 12 times. In December 2024, H.R. 1101, the Lumbee Fairness Act passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Author: staff report
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