Hudson Introduces Bill to Recognize Lumbee Tribe

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Richard Hudson (NC-08) introduced legislation seeking to gain full federal recognition for the Lumbee tribe, the largest Indian tribe east of the Mississippi.

“Southeastern North Carolina has made tremendous strides in economic growth, and granting the Lumbees federal recognition has the potential to spur job creation and further revitalize the region to make life better for everyone in our community. I am grateful to my good friend and former colleague Mike McIntyre for his commitment to this cause, and I will continue to be an advocate and work just as hard until the Lumbee tribe receives the federal recognition it rightfully deserves.”

The Lumbee Recognition Act was introduced and championed by Reps. Hudson and McIntyre (NC-07) in the House and companion legislation was introduced in the Senate in the 113th Congress.

The Lumbee Recognition Act provides full recognition and services for a tribe that has long been recognized as distinctively Native American, but has consistently and unfairly been denied the benefits that come with federal recognition. It does not require additional budgeting of new funding since it utilizes the existing resources of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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