House passes bill recognizing Indian tribes

The House today passed a bill recognizing seven Indian Tribes in North Carolina and Virginia. The move supports remarks made earlier this year by the President's administration;

Deputy Assistant Secretary George Skibine said in March that "there are rare circumstances when Congress should intervene and recognize a tribal group, and the case of the Lumbee Indians is one such rare case."

The Lumbee tribe in particular has generated significant support for their cause and passage of this legislation;

The Lumbees are recognized by the state and were partially recognized by the federal government in 1956, but at the same time Congress denied the Lumbee benefits given to other American Indians.

"What Congress started Congress should finish, that's why we are back here today," said Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-N.C., the bill's sponsor. "It's time for discrimination to end and for recognition to begin."

Comments (3) «

Jonah,

I really don't know anything about this issue. Could you post some links besides this one announcing the policy change?

1

SandyH on June 4, 2009 at 11:02 AM

Sandy I don't have much more other than articles on the legislative angle and the bill's movement through the House. Here is an article from the Fayatteville Observer that may be helpful;

http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=328357

2

Jonah on June 4, 2009 at 12:53 PM

Well done, Speaker Pelosi. The Commonwealth of VA expresses its gratitude.

3

BobVADemocratHawk on June 4, 2009 at 06:43 PM

« Hide Comments

Comments are now closed for this entry.