Lumbee Fairness Act
2/12/2025, 10:53 AMSummary of Bill HR 474
Bill 119 HR 474, also known as the Lumbee Recognition Act, is a piece of legislation that seeks to amend the Lumbee Act of 1956. The Lumbee Act of 1956 currently recognizes the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina but does not grant them full federal recognition. This bill aims to rectify that by providing the Lumbee Tribe with full federal recognition.The Lumbee Tribe has been seeking federal recognition for many years, as it would grant them access to federal funding and resources that are currently unavailable to them. The bill would also allow the Lumbee Tribe to establish a government-to-government relationship with the United States, similar to other federally recognized tribes.
Supporters of the bill argue that granting federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe is long overdue and would help to right historical wrongs. They also point out that the Lumbee Tribe has a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community that deserves to be recognized and supported by the federal government. Opponents of the bill have raised concerns about the potential costs associated with granting federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe, as well as questions about the legitimacy of the tribe's claims to recognition. However, supporters argue that these concerns are unfounded and that the benefits of federal recognition far outweigh any potential drawbacks. Overall, Bill 119 HR 474 represents an important step towards rectifying historical injustices and providing much-needed support to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
Congressional Summary of HR 474
Lumbee Fairness Act
This bill extends federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and makes its members eligible for the services and benefits provided to members of federally recognized tribes.
Members of the tribe residing in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland Counties in North Carolina are deemed to be within the delivery area for such services.
The Department of the Interior and the Department of Health and Human Services must develop, in consultation with the tribe, a determination of needs to provide the services for which members of the tribe are eligible.
Interior may take land into trust for the benefit of the tribe.
Finally, North Carolina must exercise jurisdiction over all criminal offenses committed, and all civil actions that arise, on North Carolina lands owned by, or held in trust for, the Lumbee Tribe or any dependent Indian community of the tribe unless jurisdiction is transferred to the United States pursuant to an agreement between the tribe and the state.
