Paul Brooks. Photo from Facebook

A bill to extend federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina was introduced in the 114th Congress on Wednesday.

But Chairman Paul Brooks told The Robesonian that he wasn't optimistic the bill will get very far. “I wouldn’t say it’s dead but I don’t think it will happen with this Congress," he said.

Rep. Richard Hudson (R-North Carolina) introduced H.R.184, the Lumbee Recognition Act. He said the Lumbees deserve to be treated like other recognized tribes.

“Southeastern North Carolina has made tremendous strides in economic growth, and granting the Lumbees federal recognition has the potential to spur job creation and further revitalize the region to make life better for everyone in our community,' Hudson said in a press release.

During the during the height of the termination era in the 1950s, Congress passed a law that identified the Lumbees as "Indians." But it denied them the benefits associated with federal status.

Congress passed similar bills for two tribes in Texas and has since restored their federal status. The Lumbees remain in limbo.

Get the Story:
Recognition bill back before House (The Robesonian 1/8)
Lumbee recognition bill filed in Congress by Rep. Hudson (The Fayetteville Observer 1/8)
Readers weigh in on Lumbee recognition (The Richmond County Daily Journal 1/8)

Related Stories:
Column: Lumbee Tribe should include casino in bid for recognition (1/7)
Editorial: Lumbee Tribe's road to recognition gets steeper (11/12)
Supporter of Lumbee Tribe's recognition loses re-election bid (11/7)
Tribes in North Carolina back Democrat Sen. Hagan in tight race (10/30)
Republican blames Sen. Reid for holding Lumbee recognition bill (08/15)
Senate candidates support federal recognition for Lumbee Tribe (06/25)