Federal Recognition for Lumbee Tribe

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, today marks a monumental day for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the effects of which will transcend generations. The Lumbee have fought tirelessly for decades to achieve full recognition by the U.S. Congress. Today, that day has arrived.

The Lumbee Fairness Act, which I offered as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, will soon head to the President's desk, as part of the annual defense bill, for his signature, providing full Federal recognition. This is a historic milestone, decades in the making, and a moment of celebration for a community that has never wavered in its resolve.

This amazing achievement would not have been possible without the steadfast leadership of Chairman John Lowery and generations of Lumbee. Their voice has been heard, and their commitment and perseverance have brought us to this historic moment.

I commend and thank President Trump for his tremendous support, as well as our current Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, former Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, and my many colleagues here in the House who continually supported this effort.

Madam Speaker, I thank them all, for the Lumbee are a great and honorable people who deserve Federal recognition with all the rights and benefits that come with it.

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