The North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) has released a statement following the inclusion of federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe in the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The measure affects nearly 60,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe living in North Carolina.
NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons commented on the development: “This moment has been long overdue for the nearly 60,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Today’s historic vote fulfills a long-standing promise by the federal government to provide full recognition. We are grateful to President Trump and his administration, as well as our Congressional delegation, for their leadership and efforts to ensure tribal recognition was included in the National Defense Authorization Act. We join in celebration with Tribal Chairman John Lowery and the many members of the Lumbee Tribe who have worked tirelessly for decades to make this day possible.”
Federal recognition allows tribes access to benefits and programs from various U.S. agencies, including healthcare and education services.
