The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has hired a new firm to lobby for federal recognition.

The tribe ran into controversy when it signed a lobbying deal that appeared to tie federal recognition to gaming. That deal was scrapped and the tribe has now settled on AndersonTuell, which was founded by two former Bureau of Indian Affairs officials who worked during the Clinton administration.

Congress identified the Lumbees as "Indians" in 1956. But the law, which was passed during the termination era, said they weren't eligible for federal services.

Two other tribes that were the subject of similar acts of Congress have since been restored to federal recognition.

Get the Story:
Lumbees OK hiring of new lobbyist for recognition fight (The Fayetteville Observer 8/20)

Lumbee Recognition Bills:
S.1735 | H.R.31 | H.R.839

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