WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) released the following statement on the passage of the Lumbee Fairness Act in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“For 137 years, the Lumbee Tribe have been fighting for federal recognition, and today the federal government has finally honored that promise. President Trump traveled to Robeson County and pledged to get federal recognition done. He kept that promise and showed extraordinary leadership. With the Senate passage of the NDAA, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina will now achieve full federal recognition and access to every federal benefit they have earned and deserve.

“This was a team effort on the part of North Carolina leaders. I am grateful to Chairman John Lowery, Senator Ted Budd, Michael Whatley, and Members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation – including Representatives Rouzer, Hudson, Harris, McDowell, and Moore – for working together to achieve this historic success.

“I want to thank my staff, especially Cirilo Perez, whose tireless and dedicated work behind the scenes played an instrumental role in breaking a decades-old legislative stalemate and making this historic moment a reality.” 

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