Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner reintroduced the Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act to recognize six of Virginia’s Native American tribes. Last year, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approved a similar bill by Senators Webb and Warner, but it never received a full vote in the Senate. Companion legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives in the 110th and 111th Congresses.

“I spent several years examining this issue before deciding to support this legislation," said Senator Webb. "I am convinced that legislation is perhaps the only way to bring fairness to these tribes, due to the complicated history between Virginia's tribes and England, which began before American independence, and also due to unique racial laws in Virginia that existed well into the 20th century. Racially-hostile laws formerly in effect in Virginia—including anti-miscegenation laws from 1691 to 1967—have had a devastating impact on tribes seeking federal recognition. As such, normal administrative procedures have been insufficient in resolving an issue of historic dignity and fairness."

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

The six 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.

Federal recognition would qualify the six Virginia tribes for certain benefits provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and other federal agencies. 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.

Congressman Jim Moran, who has pursued this cause since 1999, also re-introduced the Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act in the House of Representatives with bipartisan co-sponsors Congressmen Gerry Connolly (D-Fairfax), Bobby Scott (D-Norfolk), and Rob Wittman (R-Montross).