US EditionThe Lumbee Tribe’s Federal Recognition Is Assured, with a Final Push by Trump
The Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act with a 77-20 vote, granting federal recognition to North Carolina's Lumbee Tribe of about 60,000 members.
- On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate voted to grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina as part of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, following House approval last week.
- Members first petitioned Congress in 1888 and later received partial acknowledgment in 1956 that withheld federal benefits, and shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump directed the Interior Department to study paths to recognition.
- With about 60,000 members, the Lumbee would rank among the nation's largest tribes, gaining access to Indian Health Service, scholarships, land‑into‑trust authority; CBO estimates federal costs in hundreds of millions.
- In Pembroke, over 200 Lumbee members gathered in a gymnasium to watch the Senate vote live, celebrating with shouts and a drum circle, while John Lowery, Lumbee Tribal Chairman, called it a historic victory.
- Opponents, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee, say the Lumbee lack documented identity and warn they would sue if dissatisfied, raising regional disputes about federal recognition.
113 Articles
113 Articles
NC's Lumbee Tribe receives full federal recognition
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has officially received full federal recognition following passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included the Lumbee Fairness Act and was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Thursday. State Rep. John Lowery, R-Robeson, who is also the chairman of the tribe, called recognition long deserved. “This is not the end — it is a new beginning. With recognition comes new opportunity:…
Lumbee Tribe's 137-year quest for federal recognition finally over after historic Senate vote
LUMBERTON, N.C. (WBTW) -- Decades of frustration and anticipation came to an end early Wednesday afternoon as the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina secured official recognition from the federal government. The recognition was included in the National Defense Authorization Act, which was approved by the U.S. Senate in a 77-20 roll call vote. The legislation [...]
The News & Observer
arcamax.comSenate votes for recognition of Lumbee, as NC tribe nears end of 137-year fight
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