House recognizes Lumbee, but building casinos is prohibited

WASHINGTON (Winston-Salem Journal) - Seven Indian tribes in North Carolina and Virginia would be federally recognized under legislation passed by the House yesterday, but they would not be allowed to build casinos.

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and six Virginia tribes would be eligible for up to $800 million in federal funds for housing, education and health benefits under two bills passed by the chamber. Both bills passed the House in the last Congress but stalled in the Senate.

President Obama has reversed the stance of past presidents and pledged to support recognition of the Lumbee tribe, which has sought federal oversight for more than 100 years. He has not said whether he will support recognition of the Virginia tribes.