Lumbee Fairness Act

# Lumbee Fairness Act Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would grant federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, a Native American tribe that currently lacks this official status. Once recognized, Lumbee Tribe members would become eligible for federal services and benefits that are already available to members of other federally recognized tribes, such as healthcare, education, and housing assistance. The bill also allows the Department of the Interior to hold land in trust (own land on behalf of) the tribe. **Who it affects:** The legislation primarily affects approximately 55,000+ members of the Lumbee Tribe, with a focus on those living in four North Carolina counties (Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland).

It also impacts federal agencies like the Interior Department and Health and Human Services, which would need to assess and provide services to the newly recognized tribe. North Carolina state government would also be involved in jurisdictional matters over the tribe's lands. **Current status:** The bill (HR 474) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative David Rouzer (R-NC) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. Federal recognition of Native American tribes is historically a complex process that has taken years or decades for other groups to achieve.