Joe Baca: “I will vote against H.R. 65, the Lumbee Recognition Act. This was a very difficult decision. I have only had to vote on…”

“I will vote against H.R. 65, the Lumbee Recognition Act. This was a very difficult decision. I have only had to vote on a few issues that have caused me so much difficulty. One being my vote against the war in Iraq. The same difficulty is here today. Today's votes will decide the future for the Lumbee tribe. However, H.R. 65 determines the future of many more individuals, such as the entire Native American Community and our Nation as a whole. There is too much information arguing both for and against giving Federal recognition through the legislative process to this tribe. As a Hispanic, I understand what it is like to have to fight for equality. As an American, I treasure and understand the importance of sovereignty, of liberty, independence, autonomy and freedom. I believe that the best method to decide whether to develop a new sovereign relationship is to have the Lumbee directly apply to the BIA. The Lumbee tribe should apply for recognition via the administrative process and I support allowing this to occur. My vote today will follow that decision because of the many questions regarding their name, the criteria to be Lumbee, and their bloodline. I want the Lumbee tribe to know that I respect the individuals whose strength, courage and determination have allowed them to fight for their people and to continue the struggle.”