Lumbee Tribe poised to gain federal recognition through defense bill

Lumbee Tribe poised to gain federal recognition through defense bill Politics Dec 10, 2025 11:52 AM EST

After decades of political maneuvering through Congress and government agencies, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina may finally achieve federal recognition through the National Defense Authorization Act the House plans to vote on this week.

If the legislation passes, the Senate could vote on final passage as soon as next week.

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The Lumbee’s efforts to gain federal recognition — which would come with federal funding, access to resources like the Indian