[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 213 (Wednesday, December 17, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H6010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1850
                  FEDERAL RECOGNITION FOR LUMBEE TRIBE

  (Mr. ROUZER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, today marks a monumental day for the 
Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the effects of which will transcend 
generations. The Lumbee have fought tirelessly for decades to achieve 
full recognition by the U.S. Congress. Today, that day has arrived.
  The Lumbee Fairness Act, which I offered as an amendment to the 
National Defense Authorization Act, will soon head to the President's 
desk, as part of the annual defense bill, for his signature, providing 
full Federal recognition. This is a historic milestone, decades in the 
making, and a moment of celebration for a community that has never 
wavered in its resolve.
  This amazing achievement would not have been possible without the 
steadfast leadership of Chairman John Lowery and generations of Lumbee. 
Their voice has been heard, and their commitment and perseverance have 
brought us to this historic moment.
  I commend and thank President Trump for his tremendous support, as 
well as our current Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, former Senators 
Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, and my many colleagues here in the 
House who continually supported this effort.
  Madam Speaker, I thank them all, for the Lumbee are a great and 
honorable people who deserve Federal recognition with all the rights 
and benefits that come with it.

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