Bishop Applauds Committee Passage of Lumbee Recognition Act

Statement

Today the House Natural Resources Committee passed the bipartisan Lumbee Recognition Act by a voice vote, paving the way for consideration and passage on the House of Representatives floor. Congressman Dan Bishop (NC-09), a cosponsor of the legislation and longtime supporter of Lumbee recognition, released the following statement:

"The Lumbee Tribe has waited years for the federal recognition they deserve and this is a monumental step in that direction," said Rep. Bishop. "This legislation has been a top priority of mine during my first year in Congress, and I thank my colleagues Chairman Grijalva, Ranking Member Rob Bishop, Rep. Butterfield and Rep. Hudson for their support of the Lumbee. I urge my colleagues to bring this measure to the House of Representatives floor and pass this critical legislation that will change the course of Lumbee history for generations to come," concluded Bishop.

"I am thankful to Congressman Bishop for his support of H.R. 1964 and the work he has done to move our Bill out of the US House Natural Resources Committee. Representative Bishop has made the Lumbee and Lumbee Recognition a priority since his first day in office," said Harvey Godwin, Chairman of the Lumbee Tribe.

As one of his first acts as a Congressman, Bishop cosponsored the Lumbee Recognition Act and has consistently advocated for Lumbee recognition. In December 2019, he testified before the Natural Resources Committee encouraging federal recognition for the tribe. This issue remains at the forefront of Congressman Bishop's work in Washington. The next step is for the House of Representatives to consider the legislation on the House floor where the Congressman would proudly support it.

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