Rep. Richard Hudson Secures House Passage of Bill to Formally Recognize Lumbee Tribe

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed his Lumbee Fairness Act, which will provide long-overdue federal recognition and protections for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina:

“House passage of this critical legislation brings us one step closer to securing full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe," said Rep. Hudson. "I am proud to have led this effort and will continue to fight until the Lumbee people get the recognition they rightfully deserve."

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 November 2020 during the 116th Congress and November 2021 during the 117th Congress.

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