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Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act

USA119th CongressHR-4750| House 
| Updated: 7/23/2025
Eugene Simon Vindman

Eugene Simon Vindman

Democratic Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (1)
Robert J. Wittman (Republican)

Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, titled the "Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act," grants federal recognition to the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia. This recognition makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all federal services and benefits generally available to federally recognized Indian Tribes, without requiring the existence of a reservation at the time of enactment. The bill includes extensive findings detailing the Tribe's historical presence, resilience through challenges like the 1924 Racial Integrity Act, and their continued cultural and community efforts. For the purpose of delivering federal services, the Tribe's service area is defined as King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford Counties in Virginia. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to take land held in fee by the Tribe into trust for its benefit, provided these lands are located within these designated counties, and such lands may be considered part of the Tribe's reservation upon request. Importantly, the bill stipulates that the Tribe may not conduct gaming activities under any federal law, including the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and eminent domain cannot be used to acquire lands for the Tribe. Furthermore, the Act clarifies that it does not expand, reduce, or otherwise affect any existing hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights of the Tribe or its members.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5553
Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act
Jul 23, 2025
Introduced in House
Jul 23, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5553
    Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act


  • July 23, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • July 23, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Native Americans

Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act

USA119th CongressHR-4750| House 
| Updated: 7/23/2025
This bill, titled the "Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act," grants federal recognition to the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia. This recognition makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all federal services and benefits generally available to federally recognized Indian Tribes, without requiring the existence of a reservation at the time of enactment. The bill includes extensive findings detailing the Tribe's historical presence, resilience through challenges like the 1924 Racial Integrity Act, and their continued cultural and community efforts. For the purpose of delivering federal services, the Tribe's service area is defined as King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford Counties in Virginia. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to take land held in fee by the Tribe into trust for its benefit, provided these lands are located within these designated counties, and such lands may be considered part of the Tribe's reservation upon request. Importantly, the bill stipulates that the Tribe may not conduct gaming activities under any federal law, including the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and eminent domain cannot be used to acquire lands for the Tribe. Furthermore, the Act clarifies that it does not expand, reduce, or otherwise affect any existing hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights of the Tribe or its members.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5553
Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act
Jul 23, 2025
Introduced in House
Jul 23, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5553
    Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act


  • July 23, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • July 23, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Eugene Simon Vindman

Eugene Simon Vindman

Democratic Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (1)
Robert J. Wittman (Republican)

Natural Resources Committee

Native Americans

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted