Political Quotes

“This is my final week in Congress. Many come to the floor and ruminate over their service. As for me, I can't think of a better way to spend my final words on the floor than in support of recognition for the Lumbee Tribe. The Lumbee have been pursuing justice since the mid-1800s. I have previously stated on the floor some of the specifics of the Lumbee's Native American heritage, their struggle as a people against racial discrimination, and their deep and abiding community orientation around the life-changing power of education, especially represented by UNC Pembroke. I have talked about their rich Tribal culture, the Tribal Council, the Warriors Ball, Lumbee homecoming, the Powwow. I count among my greatest privileges in Congress having been designated an honorary Lumbee warrior. I have explained the abomination of the recognition legislation of 1956, which acknowledged the Lumbee's nationhood while explicitly denying them the incidents and benefits of the status extended to other American Indian Tribes, the epitome of arbitrary and capricious governmental action. Although Robeson County, the historic homeplace for the Lumbee, passed into Mr. Rouzer's district in 2022, Lumbee recognition remains the unfinished business that is closest to my heart. I have been pleased to introduce President Trump to the Lumbee and am proud to count him a vocal supporter of this legislation.…”