The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina may be recognized by the state, but they have never been successful in gaining the federal recognition they feel they deserve. Although the Lumbee Act of 1956 recognized the tribe as Native American, the Darkwater People have never enjoyed the status, sovereignty, or benefits of a federally recognized tribe.
But that hasn't stopped the tribe from receiving years of federal support and the ear of certain politicians who say they take the tribe's status seriously.
One such politician is Congressman Dan Bishop (R.N.C.), who recently retired from Congress. Instead of running for re-election, Bishop lost the race for North Carolina attorney general against Democrat Jeff Jackson.
In his farewell speech, Bishop chose to emphasize the Lumbee Tribe's continued efforts to seek recognition (and, of course, more taxes) from the federal government.
“This is my last week in Parliament, and so many people have gathered in the Chamber to reflect on their service. For me, there is no better way to spend my final words in the Chamber than with the Lumbee Tribe. I can't think of a better way to do this than to support recognition,” Bishop began.
“The Lumbee people have been pursuing justice since the mid-1800s,” he said, emphasizing “our people's struggle against racism and our deep and enduring community orientation centered on the life-changing power of education.” did.
Pat Gray in Pat Gray Unleashed can't help but laugh at Bishop and the Lumbee tribe's constant demands for more tax dollars when there's a serious debate over the tribe's status.
He appreciates that other politicians, like Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), are calling a spade a spade.
Burchett was pessimistic about the Lumbee Fairness Act, which was intended to grant federal recognition to tribes. The bill passed the House but was not considered in the Senate this session.
Burchett said the bill would cost “nearly $1 billion” and would be “put into the hands of taxpayers” to make the Lumbee “the largest federally recognized tribe in the United States.”
“That's a terrible idea,” he said bluntly.
“I love Tim Burchett,” laughs Keith Marinak.
To hear the rest of the “Unleashed” team's comments, watch the clip above.
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