The Eastern Band of the Cherokees and other Native American groups are lobbying the U.S. Senate to block legislation that would give full federal recognition to the Lumbee tribe.
BECAUSE OF A WATER MAIN BREAK, AND YOU'LL NEED MORE TIME TO GET WHERE YOU'RE GOING. >>> A BATTLE OVER GAMBLING AND CASINOS IS BREWING. THE CHEROKEE NATION WANTS TO BLOCK THE RECENT ACTS. >> THIS REST STOP FEATURES A GIANT SOMBRERO, AND COULD BE THE SITE OF NEW GAMBLING CASINOS IF LUMBEE INDIANS GET FULL RECOGNITION FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. >> HOUR AND A HALF FROM THE COAST, COUPLE HOURS FROM THE MOUNTAINS, IT'S A PERFECT MIDWAY POINT. >> Reporter: MEMBERS OF THE CHEROKEE NATION WORRY THIS COULD DIP INTO THEIR CASINOS, AND SENT A LETTER TO CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS, SAYING THE LUMBEE SHOULD PURSUE FEDERAL RECOGNITION AT THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR, WHERE EXPERTS AND PROCEDURES ARE IN PLACE. >> WE ARE USED TO IT. LUMBEE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR RECOGNITION SINCE 1888 AND THE CHEROKEE HAVE IMPOSED ON MANY OCCASIONS, SO WE'RE NOT SURPRISED. >> Reporter: IT WAS PASSED BY THE HOUSE AND IS WAITING SENATE APPROVAL. >> I THINK WE HAVE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GET RECOGNIZED. >> Reporter: PRESIDENT TRUMP CAME HERE TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR THE LUMBEE ACT. SO DOES THE CHEROKEE NATION HAVE ENOUGH LOBBYING NATION TO BLOCK THIS IN THE SENATE?
