Congress ended its 109th session this month without acting on a bill to recognize the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

The tribe faced opposition from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. But the Cherokee's main advocate, former Rep. Charles Taylor (R-North Carolina), was voted out of office in November.

That doesn't mean the Lumbees are in the clear. If Republicans gain control of the Senate -- a remote possibility due to Democrat Sen. Tim Johnson's health condition -- a council member said the recognition bill could be blocked in the 110th Congress.

The Lumbees are recognized by the state but not by the federal government. A law passed during the termination era bars them from receiving services as a tribe.

Congress can repeal the law to recognize the tribe or amend it to allow the tribe to seek recognition through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Get the Story:
Lumbee Tribe must restart push for tribal recognition (The Robesonian 12/18)

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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