GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2023

H                                                                                                                                           Simple

                                                                                                                                       Resolution

                                                                                                                                          Adopted

HOUSE RESOLUTION 499

Adopted 4/26/23

March 29, 2023

A HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS TO support the passage of the lumbee fairness act, which extends full federal recognition to the lumbee tribe of north carolina.

Whereas, the State of North Carolina has recognized the Lumbee as an Indian tribe since 1885; and

Whereas, the Lumbee Tribe has fought to gain federal recognition for more than a century, beginning in 1888, when the Tribe petitioned Congress for recognition and assistance but was denied; and

Whereas, since that time, numerous bills have been introduced to recognize the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina; and

Whereas, in 1956, Congress passed the Lumbee Act, which recognized the Lumbee as Indians but withheld the full benefits of federal recognition given to other tribes; and

Whereas, on February 16, 2023, Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd introduced the Lumbee Fairness Act, which extends full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and makes its members eligible for the same services and benefits provided to members of other federally recognized tribes. An identical bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 17, 2023, by Congress members David Rouzer, Dan Bishop, Donald David, Richard Hudson, Kathy Manning, Gregory Murphy, and Deborah Ross; and

Whereas, the Lumbee Indians deserve to have full federal recognition of their status as an Indian tribe and that the benefits, privileges, and immunities that accompany such status should be accorded to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina; and

Whereas, the State of North Carolina urges Congress to support legislation extending full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina; Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives expresses support of the passage of the Lumbee Fairness Act or similar legislation and urges Congress to enact such legislation or similar legislation.

SECTION 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the members of North Carolina's congressional delegation.

SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.