When Congress restored federal recognition to the Tigua Tribe of Texas in 1987, it imposed a 1/8th blood quantum standard on membership.

More than 20 years later, the requirement is hurting the tribe, Lt. Gov. Carlos Hisa told the House Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs on Wednesday. Even his 13-year-old daughter, an active participant on the reservation, can't enroll.

"We want that removed so we can determine our own citizenship,” Hisa testified, Scripps Howard Foundation Wire reported.

H.R.1560 removes the blood quantum requirement and allows the tribe to determine its membership. No other federally recognized tribe is currently subject to a Congressionally-imposed standard.

Get the Story:
Texas Indian Tribe Seeks Right to Control Membership (Scripps Howard Foundation Wire 6/24)

Committee Notice:
Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1158 and H.R. 1560 (June 22, 2011)

Related Stories:
Witness List: House hearing on Northern Cheyenne, Tigua bills (6/22)
Subcommittee sets hearing on Northern Cheyenne, Tigua bills (6/16)