Lumbee Fairness Act is Introduced in Congress--Press Release
For Immediate Release
Lawmakers Take a New Direction with Lumbee Legislation as Lumbee Fairness Act
is Introduced in Congress
Washington, DC (February 17, 2023) - Today, Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) led members of the North Carolina delegation to introduce the Lumbee Fairness Act. The legislation would provide full recognition and associated federal protections to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC). Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery spoke with pride as he commended the congressional delegation for their support of the Lumbee People at the Lumbee Tribal Council on Thursday night as he informed the council of the impending legislation. "We are grateful to Congressman Rouzer, Senator Tillis and the co-sponsors of the Lumbee Fairness Act," said Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery. "It has been almost 70 years since the 1956 Act was passed. It is clearly time for Congress to provide the Lumbee People with the benefits that are inherent to federally recognized tribes."
Rouzer is joined by Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC-09), Congressman Greg Murphy (R- NC-03), Congressman Dan Bishop (R-NC-08), Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Congresswoman Kathy Manning (D-NC-06), and Congressman Don Davis (D-NC-01). "For generations, the Lumbee have fought for full federal recognition and tribal sovereignty that is long overdue," said Rep. Rouzer. "I’m proud to champion the Lumbee Fairness Act in the 118th Congress and will continue working to help the Tribe receive the federal protections they are due, including access to the same resources as every other federally recognized tribe."
Members of the Lumbee Tribe reside primarily in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, and Scotland Counties. The Lumbee People are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and their focus on education. Tribal Chairman Lowery visited with the North Carolina delegation this week in Washington as preparations were underway to introduce the new legislation.
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