[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF THE ``THOMASINA E. JORDAN INDIAN TRIBES OF VIRGINIA 
                       FEDERAL RECOGNITION ACT''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2001

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today I am joined by 
Representatives. Jo Ann Davis, Rick Boucher, Tom Davis, Bobby Scott, 
and Edward Schrock in introducing the ``Thomasina E. Jordan Indian 
Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act.''
  This legislation will grant federal recognition to six Indian tribes 
in Virginia: the Chickahominy Tribe, Chickahominy Indian Tribe Eastern 
Division, the Upper Mattaponi, the Rappahannock Tribe, the Monacan 
Tribe, and the Nansemond Tribe.
  As we approach the 400th anniversary of the first permanent European 
settlement in North America, it seems appropriate that the direct 
descendants of the native Americans, who met these settlers, should be 
recognized by the federal government and that we acknowledge these 
historic tribes and the significance of their heritage. Together, the 
men and women of these tribes represent a long neglected part of our 
nation's history.
  The Virginia tribes have fought hard to retain their heritage and 
cultural identity. The legislation we are introducing today describes 
the history of the tribes and their early treaty rights with the Kings 
of England and the colonial government. Like much of our early history 
as a nation, the Virginia tribes were subdued, pushed off their land, 
and up to the mid 20th Century, denied full rights as U.S. citizens. 
Despite their devastating losses of land and population, the Virginia 
Indians successfully overcame the years of racial discrimination that 
denied them equal opportunities to pursue their education and preserve 
their cultural identity.
  Federal recognition would provide what the government has long 
denied, legal protections and financial obligations, including certain 
social services and benefits the federal government provides the 558 
recognized tribes. At a time when our nation is trying to remedy past 
injustices to the Indians, Virginia's Indians are denied these benefits 
because none are recognized by the federal government. Not one of the 
558 tribes recognized by the federal government reside in Virginia.
  I know that the gambling issue may be at the forefront of some 
members' concerns. In response to this concern, we have worked to close 
any potential legal loopholes in the legislation to ensure that the 
state could prevent casino-type gaming by the tribes. Having maintained 
a close relationship with many of the members of these tribes, I 
believe they are sincere in their claims that gambling is inconsistent 
with their values. This position is already borne out by the fact that 
none of the tribes today engage in bingo gambling despite the fact that 
they have all established nonprofit organizations that are permitted 
under Virginia law to operate bingo games despite compelling financial 
needs that revenues from bingo could address.
  The real issue for the tribes is one of recognition and the long 
overdue need for the federal government to affirm their identity as 
Native Americans. Coupled with this affirmation is an opportunity for 
the tribes to establish a more equitable relationship with the state 
and secure federal financial assistance for the tribes' social 
services, health care and housing needs. Many of their older members 
face the prospect of retiring without pensions and health benefits that 
most Americans take for granted.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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