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13h ago

Lumbee Tribe Wins Full Federal Recognition as Trump Signs Defense Bill

Recognition opens access to federal services, with implementation to follow through Interior.

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The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina visit Congress in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 5, 2025, to seek full federal recognition. (Danielle Battaglia/McClatchy/TNS)
A group poses for a photo after passage of the National Defense Authorization Act by the U.S. Senate, which included federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, during a watch party hosted by the Lumbee Tribe in Pembroke, North Carolina, Dec. 17, 2025.
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Overview

  • Congress sent the must-pass NDAA to the president after a 77–20 Senate vote and earlier bipartisan House approval, securing recognition via the Lumbee Fairness Act.
  • The new status makes Lumbee citizens eligible for federal programs in health care, education, housing, child care and disaster relief for the first time.
  • Officials and tribal leaders anticipate major public and private investment in Robeson County, with planning to begin for services and potential gaming projects along I-95.
  • North Carolina leaders including Chairman John Lowery, Rep. David Rouzer, Sens. Ted Budd and Thom Tillis, and Gov. Josh Stein publicly backed the move.
  • Some tribes, notably the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, opposed the route to recognition and raised competition concerns, drawing a “casino cartel” rebuke from Tillis.