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Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 10, 2025
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. McDOWELL. Mr. Chair, my home State of North Carolina has recognized the Lumbee Tribe since 1885, yet for more than 135 years, their fight for full Federal recognition has been blocked by red tape and indifference.

In 1956, Congress acknowledged the Lumbee Tribe but cruelly denied them the services and the benefits afforded to other federally recognized Tribes. That mistake has never been corrected, but finally Congress has the opportunity to right its wrong.

The Lumbees are more than 55,000 strong, making them the largest Tribe east of the Mississippi. They have defended this Nation in uniform. They have contributed to our economy and preserved a proud heritage that strengthens our State and our country.

Today, this House has an opportunity to finally deliver justice for the ``People of the Dark Water'' of North Carolina. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

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