S.Amdt. 3273

SA 3273, submitted by Mr. Tillis and Mr. Budd, is an amendment to bill S. 2296. Its purpose is to amend the Act of June 7, 1956, to provide federal recognition and benefits to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

The amendment aims to add the following to the bill:

• Federal Recognition: It extends federal recognition to the Tribe and makes all general U.S. laws and regulations for Indians and Indian tribes applicable to them.
• Federal Services: The Tribe and its members become eligible for all federal services and benefits provided to federally recognized tribes. It specifies that members in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland counties are considered to be residing on or near an Indian reservation for service delivery.
• Land into Trust: The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to take land into trust for the Tribe, with specific treatment for land in Robeson County as an "on reservation" acquisition.
• State Jurisdiction: The State of North Carolina will maintain jurisdiction over criminal offenses and civil actions on land owned by or held in trust for the Tribe, though the Secretary may accept a transfer of this jurisdiction following an agreement between the Tribe and the State.
• Administrative Requirements: It establishes the role of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Health and Human Services in verifying the tribal roll and determining the needs of the Tribe to provide eligible services.