Sen. Kay Hagan (D-North Carolina) said she will try to gain passage of a bill to recognize the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina before the 111th Congress ends.

Hagan wants to attach the bill to the continuing resolution that will fund the federal government. The resolution is expected to pass in the next two weeks.

Congress identified the Lumbees as "Indians" in 1956. But the law, which was passed during the termination era, said they weren't eligible for federal services.

Two other tribes that were the subject of similar acts of Congress have since been restored to federal recognition.

Get the Story:
Hagan says Lumbee recognition still possible (AP 12/8)
Hagan: Confirm Diaz for Court of Appeals (McClatchy Newspapers 12/8)

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

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