Bill · H.R. 4750· House(119-HR-4750)
Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act
- Introduced
- 7/23/2025
- Last activity
- 7/23/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Eugene Vindman
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act aims to extend federal recognition to the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia. This bill establishes the Tribe as a federally recognized entity and makes its members eligible for various federal services and benefits. It provides a framework for the Tribe to have land held in trust by the Secretary of the Interior within specific Virginia counties. The Act also addresses the Tribe's governing body and membership rolls. Additionally, it clarifies that the Tribe may not conduct gaming activities.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+9
The bill grants formal federal recognition and eligibility for federal services to the Patawomeck Indian Tribe.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+8
The bill provides federal recognition to the Patawomeck Indian Tribe, addressing historical erasure and providing access to federal services.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+3
Eligibility for federal services and benefits provides a safety net for tribal members.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Access to Federal Services: The Tribe and its members will be eligible for all services and benefits provided by the Federal Government to federally recognized Indian Tribes (Section 4(b)(1)).
-
Land Ownership Opportunities: The Secretary of the Interior may take land held in fee by the Tribe into trust for the Tribe's benefit within King George, Spotsylvania, or Stafford Counties (Section 7(a)).
-
Protection of Property: Eminent domain cannot be used to acquire lands for the Tribe recognized under this Act (Section 9).
-
Preservation of Rights: The Act ensures that the Tribe's hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights are not expanded, reduced, or affected (Section 8).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Gaming Restrictions: The Tribe is prohibited from conducting gaming activities under any Federal law or the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (Section 7(d)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+9Good For Low Income Households+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+8Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- 7/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Robert WittmanRepublican · Virginia