H.R. 499
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Mar 28, 2023
SESSION 2023 HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK
H D
HOUSE SIMPLE RESOLUTION DRHR10214-LG-100
Sponsors: Representative Lowery.
Referred
to:
1 A HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS TO SUPPORT THE PASSAGE OF THE
2 LUMBEE FAIRNESS ACT, WHICH EXTENDS FULL FEDERAL RECOGNITION TO
3 THE LUMBEE TRIBE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
4 Whereas, the State of North Carolina has recognized the Lumbee as an Indian tribe
5 since 1885; and
6 Whereas, the Lumbee Tribe has fought to gain federal recognition for more than a
7 century, beginning in 1888, when the Tribe petitioned Congress for recognition and assistance
8 but was denied; and
9 Whereas, since that time, numerous bills have been introduced to recognize the
10 Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina; and
11 Whereas, in 1956, Congress passed the Lumbee Act, which recognized the Lumbee
12 as Indians but withheld the full benefits of federal recognition given to other tribes; and
13 Whereas, on February 16, 2023, Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd introduced the
14 Lumbee Fairness Act, which extends full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North
15 Carolina and makes its members eligible for the same services and benefits provided to members
16 of other federally recognized tribes. An identical bill was introduced in the U.S. House of
17 Representatives on February 17, 2023, by Congress members David Rouzer, Dan Bishop, Donald
18 David, Richard Hudson, Kathy Manning, Gregory Murphy, and Deborah Ross; and
19 Whereas, the Lumbee Indians deserve to have full federal recognition of their status
20 as an Indian tribe and that the benefits, privileges, and immunities that accompany such status
21 should be accorded to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina; and
22 Whereas, the State of North Carolina urges Congress to support legislation extending
23 full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina; Now, therefore,
24 Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
25 SECTION 1. The House of Representatives expresses support of the passage of the
26 Lumbee Fairness Act or similar legislation and urges Congress to enact such legislation or similar
27 legislation.
28 SECTION 2. The Principal Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the
29 members of North Carolina's congressional delegation.
30 SECTION 3. This resolution is effective upon adoption.
*DRHR10214-LG-100*