Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act
Rep. Vindman Introduces Bill to Grant Federal Recognition to Patawomeck Indian Tribe
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is being reviewed by the House Committee on Natural Resources. No further actions are scheduled at this time. It is considered active as it was recently introduced.
Passage Likelihood
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill would grant the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia official federal recognition, making them eligible for all federal services and benefits available to recognized tribes. The tribe has a documented presence in the Virginia area dating back to at least the 1300s.
- Once recognized, tribal members would gain access to federal programs like healthcare, education, and housing assistance that are only available to members of federally recognized tribes, without needing to have a reservation first.
From policy text
“On and after the date of enactment of this Act, the Tribe and Tribal members shall be eligible for all services and benefits provided by the Federal Government to federally recognized Indian Tribes without the existence of a reservation for the Tribe.”
View in full text - The Secretary of the Interior could take land in King George, Spotsylvania, or Stafford Counties into trust for the tribe, and that land could become part of the tribe's official reservation upon request.
From policy text
“Upon the request of the Tribe, the Secretary of the Interior may take into trust for the benefit of the Tribe any land held in fee by the Tribe, if such lands are located within the boundaries of King George County, Spotsylvania County, or Stafford County, Virginia.”
View in full text - The bill specifically prohibits the tribe from operating any casinos or gambling businesses, and it bars the use of eminent domain to acquire land for the tribe.
From policy text
“The Tribe may not conduct gaming activities as a matter of claimed inherent authority or under the authority of any Federal law, including the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) or under any regulations thereunder promulgated by the Secretary or the National Indian Gaming Commission.”
View in full text - The bill documents a history of what it calls 'paper genocide' in Virginia, where the 1924 Racial Integrity Act erased Indigenous identity from official records by forcing people to be classified as only White or colored.
From policy text
“In 1924, Virginia passed the Racial Integrity Act which removed the category of Indian identity from official records. Instead, all people were required to be identified as White or colored.”
View in full text
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
State Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Related News
4 articlesStafford supervisors reconsider leasing county land to Patawomeck Tribe
As the Stafford Board of Supervisors debates land leases, the article highlights that Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07) has introduced a federal bill to grant the Patawomeck Tribe recognition. The move faces local opposition from historians questioning the tribe's documented continuity.
Virginia congresswomen propose federal recognition of Patawomeck Indian Tribe
Reps. Abigail Spanberger, Jen Kiggans, and Jennifer Wexton introduced the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act. The bill would allow the tribe to access federal grants and services while explicitly prohibiting the opening of gambling establishments on tribal lands.
Patawomeck Tribe to take ownership of 870 acres along Rappahannock River
The Patawomeck Indian Tribe acquired 870 acres of ancestral land in Spotsylvania and Caroline counties. This land transfer is a significant milestone for the tribe as it seeks federal recognition, which would allow the government to hold such lands in trust as a formal reservation.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.