The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs today approved the “Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2011” (S. 379) cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb that would grant federal recognition to six Indian tribes of Virginia. Today’s Committee markup completes the final step needed before a full Senate vote on the legislation.

“I have supported federal recognition of Virginia’s Native American tribes since I had the honor of serving as Governor,” Senator Warner said. “Their contribution to Virginia and American history is clear, and I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Webb for Senate passage of this federal recognition.”

The six tribes have received state recognition as early as 1983 and have received strong bipartisan support from the Virginia General Assembly for federal recognition. Seven former Virginia governors and current Gov. Bob McDonnell support federal recognition.

The Virginia tribes affected by the Federal Recognition Act are (1) the Chickahominy Tribe; (2) the Chickahominy Indian Tribe – Eastern Division; (3) the Upper Mattaponi Tribe; (4) the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc.; (5) the Monacan Indian Nation; and (6) the Nansemond Indian Tribe