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Lawmakers tout passage of Lumbee federal recognition

Thom Tillis supported the Senate measure, hosted Lumbee observers for the vote and advocated for recognition.

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This article1 analysis · Oct 12, 2026
Dec 19, 2025
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President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes the Lumbee Fairness Act granting the Lumbee Tribe full federal recognition. North Carolina lawmakers who supported the measure celebrated its passage and described the benefits they expect for the tribe.

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Thom Tillis R · NC · SEN
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Thom Tillis
R · NC · SEN

Senator who championed and cosponsored the Lumbee Fairness Act

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Ted Budd
R · NC · SEN

Senator who cosponsored and voted for the Lumbee Fairness Act

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David Rouzer
R · NC-7

Representative who proposed the amendment adding the Lumbee Fairness Act to the defense bill

Rouzer's version of this story ↗
Mark Harris
R · NC-8

Representative and co-introducer of the Lumbee Fairness Act

Harris's version of this story ↗
Richard Burr
Former U.S. Senator (R-NC)

Former North Carolina senator thanked for past advocacy for the Lumbee people

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law

ALSO MENTIONED  Danny Britt, North Carolina state senator representing Robeson County; Elizabeth Dole, Former North Carolina senator who previously advocated for Lumbee recognition; Jarrod Lowery, Trump administration official and brother of Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery; John Lowery, Lumbee Tribal chairman credited by lawmakers with helping secure recognition; Josh Stein, North Carolina governor who welcomed federal recognition

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