House passes Virginia tribes recognition bill

Wednesday, May 9, 2007  

By a unanimous voice vote on Tuesday, the House passed H.R.1294, a bill to recognize six Virginia tribes.

The vote came after Democrats rejected an attempt by Republicans to block consideration. The roll call was 228 to 186, with only one Democrat -- Rep. Heath Shuler (D-North Carolina), who district includes the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians -- voting no.

Supporters hope for action in the Senate, where the bill lacks a sponsor. Sen. Jim Webb (D-Virginia) hasn't taken a position and Sen. John Warner (R-Virginia) is still concerned about the possibility of casinos even though the bill prohibits the tribes from engaging in gaming.

Get the Story:
U.S. Recognition of Va. Tribes Advances (The Washington Post 5/9)
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Va. tribes bill gets House OK (The Hampton Roads Daily Press 5/9)
Hopes rise for Indians as bill advances (The Richmond Times-Dispatch 5/9)
House recognizes Virginia Indians (The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star 5/9)
House aids tribes' recognition quest (The Washington Times 5/9)
House Votes to Grant Sovereign Status to Six Virginia-Based Indian Tribes (Congressional Quarterly 5/8)

Roll Call:
Providing for the consideration of H.R. 1294, Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act (May 8, 2007)

Committee Hearings:
Full Committee Markup (April 25, 2007) | Full Committee Legislative Hearing: H.R. 1294 and H.R. 65 (April 18, 2007)

Recognition Bill:
Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act (H.R.1294)

Relevant Links:
Virginia Indians Tribal Alliance For Life - http://www.vitalva.org
House Resources Committee - http://resourcescommittee.house.gov

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Vote expected on Virginia recognition bill (5/8)
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