Rep. Richard Hudson Introduces Bill to Formally Recognize Lumbee Tribe

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined Reps. David Rouzer (NC-07) and Mark Harris (NC-08), along with Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ted Budd (R-NC), in introducing the Lumbee Fairness Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would provide long-overdue federal recognition and protections for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

“We must right this historic wrong done to the Lumbee Tribe and give them the full federal recognition they deserve," said Rep. Hudson. 

Joining Hudson, Rouzer, Harris, Tillis, and Budd in introducing the legislation are Reps. Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Addison McDowell (NC-06), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Don Davis (NC-01), and Tim Moore (NC-14).

Background

In 1885, North Carolina formally recognized the Lumbee Tribe, and the Tribe began to seek full federal recognition in 1888. The Lumbees have deep cultural roots in North Carolina and have contributed to the state through their traditions and ambition for decades.

Since 1988, legislation to federally recognize the Lumbee Tribe has been introduced in Congress over 30 separate times, including introduction by Rep. Hudson. Bipartisan legislation has passed the House of Representatives six times, most recently in December of last year and November 2021 during the 117th Congress.

Read the full bill text here.

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