Rep. Scott Urges Senate to Recognize Virginia's Native American Tribes
During Native American Heritage Month

(Washington D.C.) - Today Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03) joined Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA-08) and Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) in urging the United States Senate to pass H.R. 1294, the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act, this month, which is Native American Heritage Month.  H.R. 1294 passed the U.S. House of Representatives by voice vote on May 8, 2007.  Once the Senate passes the bill, it will be sent to the White House to be signed by the President.

           H.R. 1294, introduced by Congressman Jim Moran, will grant federal recognition to the Chickahominy Tribe, the Eastern Chickahominy Tribe, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, the Rappahannock Tribe, the Monacan Indian Nation, and the Nansemond Tribe.  Federal recognition will provide housing and educational opportunities to those who cannot afford it.  Federal recognition will also promote tribal economic development that will allow Virginia’s tribes to become self-sufficient.

          “I commend Congressman Moran for all his hard work on this legislation over the years,” said Rep. Scott.  “I also applaud Senator Webb’s leadership on this issue in the Senate.  With Senator Webb’s help, I hope that the Senate will soon act on this bill.  The Native Americans who greeted the first settlers at Jamestown over 400 years ago have waited too long for federal recognition.”

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