Senate to vote on bill granting federal recognition to North Carolina’s Lumbee Tribe, unlocking billions in funding.

The U.S. Senate is set to vote on a defense spending bill that includes a provision to grant federal recognition to North Carolina’s Lumbee Tribe, following House approval. If passed, the move would unlock billions in federal funding for healthcare, education, housing, and economic development, benefiting the tribe’s nearly 60,000 members. The effort, backed by former Presidents Biden, Obama, and Trump, faces opposition from some Native American groups concerned about bypassing standard recognition procedures. Tribal leaders and members view the potential recognition as a historic milestone after decades of advocacy, with hopes high that it will affirm sovereignty and improve lives.