The Lumbee tribe of Robeson County got closer to federal recognition, but only by agreeing to give up the possibility of a casino.
A bill by U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre, a Lumberton Democrat, passed a House committee by a 24-7 vote after an amendment forbid them from seeking gaming rights, reports Barb Barrett.
"It was a dramatic victory," he said. "From day one, we've tried to keep this on the fast track."
The Lumbees have tried for decades to become a federally recognized tribe, but their efforts have been blocked by other tribes.
Rep. Heath Shuler, a Waynesville Democrat, voted against the bill. He supports his own legislation that would give the Lumbees full recognition, a process that could take years.
