Virginia Indians Recognition Bill Passes Committee

Washington, D.C., April 22nd – Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, announced that H.R. 1385, the “Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2009” unanimously passed the House Natural Resources Committee today on a voice vote. The committee’s action clears the way for the legislation to be considered on the House floor.

“I appreciate Chairman Rahall and the Committee’s swift action in favor of Virginia’s Indians,” said Moran. “400 years is a long time to wait, but today’s decision moves our effort ever closer to ending this historic injustice.”

The House of Representatives is expected to consider the “Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2009” in the coming weeks. Rep. Moran is the author of the legislation, which would provide federal recognition to six Virginia Indian tribes: the Chickahominy Tribe, Chickahominy Indian Tribe Eastern Division, the Upper Mattaponi, the Rappahannock Tribe, the Monacan Tribe, and the Nansemond Tribe. 

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