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.
Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act
Introduced in House
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.