A bill to recognize the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has been put on hold in the Senate.

At least five senators have put a hold on the bill. With time running out in the Congressional session, it's likely the measure won't be passed this year.

The tribe is in legal limbo due to a law passed during the termination era. The 1965 act recognized the Lumbees as Indian but denied them federal services.

The tribe is seeking recognition outright but competing proposals would lift the 1965 act and force the tribe to go through the Bureau of Indian Affairs process.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the only federally recognized tribe in North Carolina, opposes the Lumbees.

Get the Story:
Lumbee recognition bill put on hold (The Fayetteville Observer 9/29)
Lumbee budget keeps position (The Fayetteville Observer 9/29)

Hearing Info:
LEGISLATIVE HEARING on S. 660, the Lumbee Recognition Act (July 12, 2006)

Lumbee Recognition Bills:
S.660 | H.R.21 | H.R.4171

Relevant Links:
Official Lumbee Tribe website - http://www.lumbeetribe.com
Lumbee Regional Development Association - http://www.lumbee.org

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