The Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribe of Virginia bill is slated for a hearing on September 25, 2008.
Tribal advocates expressed disappointment with Congress set to adjourn next Friday without acting on the bill that their protracted fight for federal recognition will have to start over again next year.
The U.S. House unanimously passed the federal recognition bill (HR 1294) on May 8, 2007. Rep. Jim Moran, D-8th, first introduced it in 1999.
No tribal recognition bills have been considered this year. As Chairman for the Senate Indian Affairs Committee most of Dorgan’s work this Congress was dedicated to upgrading Indian health care legislation, which passed the Senate in February.
The purpose of the bill is Federal recognition which entitles the tribes for eligiblility for federal funds that include housing, education and senior care for the tribes’ estimated 3,000 members.
Tribes recognized under the bill include: Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Upper Mattaponi, Rappahannock, Nansemond, and Monacan Indian Nation.
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