Reps. Mark Harris & David Rouzer champion full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe
WASHINGTON, DC — On Thursday, Representatives Mark Harris (NC-08) and David Rouzer (NC-07) led re-introducing the Lumbee Fairness Act of 2025 that gives full federal recognition and rights to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
Representative Harris said, “For far too long, the Lumbee Tribe has been wrongfully denied federal recognition – but now more than ever we are closer to that goal. Last Congress, members across the aisle overwhelmingly supported giving full federal recognition and rights to the Lumbee Tribe – and we can't lose that momentum now.
With over 55,000 individuals, the Lumbee people are a core part of my district and North Carolina – I am honored to be their advocate in Washington. As one of my first acts in Congress, I promise to use every tool at my disposal to see the Lumbee Fairness Act signed into law. I am thankful for Representative Rouzer being a long-time champion for the Lumbee Tribe – let’s get this legislation over the finish line!”
The Lumbee Tribe is the largest American-Indian tribe east of the Mississippi River and the ninth largest tribe in the nation. Members of the Lumbee Tribe reside primarily in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, and Scotland Counties.
“The federal government has denied generations of Lumbee Tribe members the full recognition and tribal sovereignty granted to other federally-recognized tribes,” said Representative Rouzer. “The Lumbee Fairness Act corrects the wrongs written in statute during the Indian Termination era and restores the rightful benefits and services the Lumbee Tribe has long been refused. This legislation received broad bipartisan support during this past Congress, a symbol of the understanding and support for the sovereignty of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.”
“Just last month, the House of Representatives passed the Lumbee Fairness Act and I am pleased to learn Congressman David Rouzer and Mark Harris are reintroducing the bill once again,” said Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery. “We have so much momentum for our bill, and I look forward to working with them to get this passed in the House during the 119th Congress.”
Co-sponsors of this bill include Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-09), Rep. Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Rep. Greg Murphy (NC-03), Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02), Rep. Don Davis (NC-01), Rep. Addison McDowell (NC-06), and Rep. Tim Moore (NC-14). The Senate counterpart to this bill is led by North Carolina Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis.
Full text of the legislation is available here.
###