Representative David Rouzer

September 10, 2025
For Immediate Release
Contact: K ennedy Stowater, (202-225-2731)

NDAA Passes House

Legislation Includes Lumbee Fairness Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This afternoon, the House passed H.R. 3838, the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA). Included in the final package was legislation introduced by Congressman David Rouzer to provide full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

"Today marks an historic effort not just for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, but for justice long overdue. I’m proud to stand with the Lumbee people as the House passed legislation to grant them full federal recognition. This is about dignity, opportunity, and honoring the rich heritage of one of North Carolina’s proudest communities," said Rep. Rouzer. “I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for this vote to bring the Lumbee people one step closer to receiving the same rights and protections as every other federally recognized tribe across the country. I look forward to the Senate's consideration."

"I am grateful for the passage of the Lumbee Fairness Act on the floor of the United State House and for the strong support of Congressman David Rouzer and his staff. We had solid support from the North Carolina U.S. House delegation as they worked closely with the White House legislative team to secure a majority vote. The Lumbee Fairness Act corrects the wrongs of the 1956 Lumbee Act which was passed during the Era of Indian Termination. We are one step closer to securing our full federal recognition," said Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery.

Ahead of the vote, Representative Rouzer took to the House Floor this afternoon to once again speak in strong support of giving the Lumbee Tribe full federal recognition.

Click the video below to listen to his remarks.

Background:

The Lumbee Tribe consists of 55,000 members, making it 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.

In 1885, the State of North Carolina formally recognized the Lumbee Tribe. In 1956, Congress recognized the Lumbee as an Indian Tribe when they enacted the Lumbee Act, but the bill unfairly denied the Lumbee any federal services and benefits associated with such recognition. Since then, the Lumbee have continued to fight for full and complete federal recognition.

During the 118^th Congress, Congressman David Rouzer introduced the Lumbee Fairness Act, with Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) introducing the companion legislation in the Senate. Mr. Rouzer successfully secured a vote on the House Floor and passage of the bill on December 17, 2024.

President Trump has also spoken in support of giving the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina full federal recognition. On January 23, 2025, just days after he was sworn into office, he signed an Executive Order to give them full federal recognition. Click the picture above to watch him sign the Executive Order and hear his thoughts on the Lumbees.

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