The Lumbee Fairness Act has been signed into law, granting the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina full federal recognition and access to benefits available to other federally recognized tribes. This development follows a 137-year effort by the tribe to secure this status.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) said, “For 137 years, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina fought for the full federal recognition they were promised, and today that promise has finally been fulfilled. President Donald Trump pledged to get this done, and he kept that promise. By signing the Lumbee Fairness Act into law, a historic injustice has been corrected, and the Lumbee people can finally access the full federal benefits they have long earned and deserve. This achievement was a true team effort, and I am grateful to Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery, Senator Ted Budd, Michael Whatley, and members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation, including Representatives Rouzer, Hudson, Harris, McDowell, and Moore, for working together to deliver this long overdue recognition for the Lumbee people.”
Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) added: “For nearly fifty years, the Lumbee Tribe has fought for the same rights and benefits that every other federally recognized tribe receives. Today, this long fight is over, and the more than 60,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe will begin the process of receiving the benefits they deserve. I want to thank Senator Tillis for his strong leadership of the North Carolina delegation as we fought for this provision, and his unyielding dedication to the recognition of the Lumbee people throughout his time in the U.S. Senate. Under the leadership of Chairman John Lowery, the Lumbee Tribe has had strong advocates in President Trump and his administration and in Representatives Rouzer and Harris who introduced the Lumbee Fairness Act in the House. I am grateful to have played a role in securing this major victory for such an important group of North Carolinians.”
Representative David Rouzer (R-NC), who offered an amendment providing federal recognition through defense legislation in Congress said: “It is truly a great and monumental day for the Lumbee Tribe —the effects of which will transcend generations for the Lumbee people and all of North Carolina. Passage of my legislation, the Lumbee Fairness Act, will finally grant the Tribe full federal recognition and long-deserved benefits. This historic moment reflects the perseverance of Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery, tenacity of the Lumbee people; strong support from President Trump; years of advocacy by Senators Tillis, Budd Dole Burr; many other North Carolina colleagues. Thank you all for your dedication to make this victory possible.”
Representative Mark Harris (R-NC) stated: “As first bill I co-introduced in Congress,the Lumbee Fairness Act brings to fruition decades-long fight on Capitol Hill for full federal recognition.Federal recognition…signifies they are seen.The Lumbee Tribe is now officially 575th federally recognized tribe.What a historic moment…and honor as their representative—God is so good!”
Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) commented: “For generations,the Lumbee people have fought for fairness & full recognition.We delivered.This long-overdue win finally honors…heritage & ensures they receive…federal support & opportunities they deserve.”
Representative Tim Moore (R-NC) said: “This is a historic moment generations…hoped for,and I’m honored to have played a part in helping make it happen.I’m especially grateful to President Trump…for their leadership…”
Representative Deborah Ross (D-NC) noted: “Finally,the Lumbee Tribe will get…recognition they deserve & worked towards for 137 years.Generations strived & advocated for this hard-fought milestone.I appreciate work across NC who came together on bipartisan basis…”
Representative Addison McDowell (R-NC) stated: “The Lumbee Fairness Act corrects clear historical mistake & brings long-overdue clarity…Through this legislation,Lumbee Tribe will have same rights as every other federally recognized tribe.And with signature of President Donald Trump,we are closing chapter…”
Representative Valerie Foushee (D-NC) said: “I am overjoyed to see … at long last receive federal tribal recognition.This is an effort … over decade,but it pales in comparison …over 100 years … The federal government owes a great debt …This isn’t political issue—this recognition is important … efforts cannot stop here.”
Representative Greg Murphy (R-NC):”Since 1885,…began its long quest…full federal recognition thereafter.The community faced egregious oppression & violence,and while Congress acknowledged …1956,…did not receive same benefits.After many decades justice achieved with bipartisan backing…”
Representative Alma Adams (D-NC):”Today our nation fulfills generations-long promise we made…,correcting historic injustice…After 137 years,…finally won their fight…”
The new law provides eligibility for federal programs previously unavailable due to incomplete tribal status under earlier legislation passed during an era when Congress restricted Native American rights.
In addition to broad bipartisan support within Congress—including both major parties’ representatives from North Carolina—the measure also received endorsements from more than 230 federally recognized tribes as well as recent U.S. presidents from both parties.
Thom Tillis’s involvement continues his record as an influential political figure in North Carolina politics after winning competitive elections against Cal Cunningham in 2020 with nearly half of voters’ support https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/11/03/us/elections/results-north-carolina-senate.html , following another close race against Kay Hagan in 2014 https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2014/results/north-carolina-senate-hagan-tillis .
The passage marks formal acknowledgment by Congress after over a century since state-level recognition began in 1885.
