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Trump to advance plan for full federal recognition of Lumbee Tribe

Trump adds support to Lumbee Tribe federal recognition bill (WTVD)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump set a plan in place to advance the full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, according to a White House release.

It will allow the U.S. to support federal recognition and full tribal benefits for the Lumbee Tribe.

Trump said full federal recognition for the tribe is long overdue.

“The Lumbee have long been recognized at the state and federal level, but further federal action is required for full federal recognition and the accompanying benefits and protections,” according to The White House.

The state recognized the Lumbee Tribe in 1855.

The 1956 Lumbee Act was passed, which recognized the Lumbee but denied some federal benefits, according to The White House.

The memorandum directs the Secretary of the Interior to look at legal pathways for advancing Lumbee recognition.

Rep. Mark Harris, R-NC-8, said the House and Senate must still pass the Lumbee Fairness Act.

“The Lumbee People have waited for decades for full federal recognition — President Trump’s executive order could not have come at a better time,” Harris said in a statement. “But we can’t lose momentum now. The House and Senate must pass the Lumbee Fairness Act to codify this recognition once and for all. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this across the finish line.”




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