"A few months ago, we expressed editorial outrage at the unconscionable rule that allows any U.S. senator to put a secret "hold" on administration appointments.

But it's not just judicial or bureaucratic appointees that can be delayed indefinitely at the arbitrary whim of a Senate member who may be feeling cantankerous - though not courageous enough to actually let his identity be known.

One of the latest entities victimized by this quaint but exasperating legislative custom is the Lumbee tribe, concentrated in Robeson, our neighbor a couple of counties to the southeast.

Though the Lumbees' origin seems shrouded in mystery, many experts have agreed for years that they are, indeed, Native Americans. But their efforts to have themselves officially recognized as such have risen and fallen frustratingly over the years. This year, those hopes have risen tantalizingly close to fruition, only to fall disappointingly once again."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Another Triumph For Obstruction (The Southern Pines Pilot 10/15)

Lumbee Recognition Bills:
S.1735 | H.R.31 | H.R.839

Related Stories:
Editorial: More disappointment for Lumbee Tribe on recognition (10/7)
Hopes dimming for approval of Lumbee Tribe's recognition bill (10/4)
Lumbee Tribe sends leader to DC to make push for recognition bill (9/15)
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Lumbee Tribe lobbies for recognition with Congress back in DC (9/13)
Lumbee Tribe raising $200K to pay lobbying firm for recognition bid (9/7)
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Lumbee chairman calls for unity in quest for federal recognition (7/7)
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Lumbee Tribe maintains Senate support despite lobbying flap (6/25)
Editorial: Only a 'miracle' can rescue Lumbee recognition bill (6/17)
Lumbee Tribe to discuss federal recognition lobbying efforts (6/15)
Lobbying firm sought to end relationship with Lumbee Tribe (6/8)
Lumbee Tribe kills controversial contract with lobbying firm (6/7)
Lumbee lobbying contract was negotiated by last chairman (6/4)
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Editorial: Lumbee Tribe should reconsider lobbying contract (5/20)
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Lumbee leaders host meeting to explain lobbying contract (5/11)
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Lumbee Tribe holds meeting to discuss lobbying contract (5/7)
Lumbee group urges chairman to kill recognition contract (4/27)
Editorial: Lumbee leaders gambling with recognition bid (4/19)
Lumbee council fails in vote to rescind lobbying contract (4/16)
Lumbee leaders threatened with recall over lobbying deal (4/13)
Lumbee group plans to discuss contract for recognition bid (4/8)
Editorial: Hope fading fast for Lumbee Tribe's recognition (03/22)
Lumbee Tribe ends relationship with longtime attorney (3/19)
New Lumbee chairman promises to push for recognition (1/15)
Lumbee Tribe chairman aims to boost credibility (11/18)
Lumbee Tribe moves closer to federal recognition (10/23)