Washington — The U.S. House of Representatives voted 256-128 Thursday afternoon to grant federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
"Today's vote was one for fairness, justice and long overdue recognition for the Lumbee Indians," 7th District Congressman Mike McIntyre said in a statement. "For over 119 years, the Lumbees have been seeking the rightful designation, and today the House has helped the tribe move forward in this effort. It is quite significant that two-thirds of the House supported our efforts."
The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
If the bill passes the Senate, the Lumbees could receive more than $400 million in federal money.
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