Lumbee Fairness Act

House Bill

H.R. 1101

119th Congress

Lumbee Fairness Act

Received in the Senate.

Introduced:Feb 10, 2025

Primary Sponsor

David Rouzer

Representative

Republican

NC-7

Cosponsors

205

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Finance and Financial Sector

Summary

This bill grants full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, giving tribal members access to the same federal services and benefits available to other federally recognized tribes. The Lumbee are one of the largest tribes without full federal recognition.

Latest Action

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H625-626)

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill grants full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, giving tribal members access to the same federal services and benefits available to other federally recognized tribes. The Lumbee are one of the largest tribes without full federal recognition.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Taxpayer Data Protection ActThis bill restricts access to any public money receipt or payment system belonging to the Department of the Treasury.Specifically, access is limited to authorized Treasury officers, employees, or contractors meeting certain performance standards who have held a qualified position for at least a year, or who hold other qualifications as provided by the bill. The bill specifically prohibits special government employees (i.e., temporary appointees hired to perform specific tasks) from having access to such systems. The bill also provides that an individual accessing such systems shall be treated as an executive branch employee for purposes of federal criminal conflict of interest laws. Treasury's Office of Inspector General must investigate and report on each instance of unauthorized use or other access of such payment systems.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Grants full federal recognition to Lumbee Tribe
Provides access to federal tribal benefits
Makes Lumbees eligible for IHS and other services
Addresses longstanding recognition issue
Affects tens of thousands of tribal members

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Approximately 55,000 Lumbee tribal members in North Carolina would gain access to Indian Health Service, education grants, and other federal programs available to recognized tribes. The Lumbee have sought full recognition for decades.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Finance and Financial Sector

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

1101, 119th Congress (2025). "Lumbee Fairness Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1101