Rep. Courtney: Congress Must Strengthen Tribal Recognition Process – Not Bypass BIA

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Rep. Courtney: Congress Must Strengthen Tribal Recognition Process - Not Bypass BIA

Congressman Joe Courtney last week opposed his party leadership and voted against, H.R. 65, Lumbee Recognition Act, which would offer federal tribal recognition through an Act of Congress rather than the Bureau of Indian Affairs process. Despite his opposition along with other Connecticut Members, the measure passed by a final vote of 256-128. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.

"The Bureau of Indian Affairs process to adjudicate tribal recognition claims must be strengthened and improved. Circumventing the established process undermines confidence in the BIA's role to decide future claims," stated Congressman Joe Courtney.

H.R. 65 would grant immediate federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Proponents of the bill believe that recognition was overdue for the group based on a measure Congress passed in 1956 that was signed into law. However, while those arguing that the 1956 law granted recognition, the language only commemorated the name change to Lumbee and did not extend recognition in any way.

"My vote is not a reflection on the merits of the Lumbees' claim, rather it is an opposition to Congress overriding the agency that is delegated with the responsibility to administer the tribal recognition process," Courtney added.

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