Powers Law celebrates a landmark professional achievement with the successful inclusion of the Lumbee Fairness Act in the final version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — signed by President Trump legislation on December 18, 2025. The bill extends federal recognition to the Lumbee Indian Tribe of North Carolina, the status of which has been in limbo for the last 75 years because of an ambiguous federal statute enacted during the 1950s.
The Lumbee Tribe has sought federal recognition since 1888. The Lumbee Fairness Act will establish a special legal and political relationship between the Tribe and the United States, and make the Tribe eligible for federally-provided services and benefits.
This accomplishment represents a major victory for Paul Moorehead, Principal at Powers Law, and Natasha John, Director of Tribal Affairs, whose legal insight, strategic counsel, and legislative execution were essential in fighting the battle for federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe.
“It has been gratifying to be part of the Lumbee Tribe’s long-standing efforts to achieve their rightful place as a federally-recognized tribe. This is a great day for the Lumbee people. Our champions were relentless and, in the end, justice was rendered,” said Paul Moorehead.
Winning the insertion of a non-defense related provision in the NDAA required overcoming entrenched political opposition, formidable lobbying resources, and hesitation from key members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Drawing on deep institutional knowledge and longstanding relationships, Paul worked directly with Senators Thom Tillis and Markwayne Mullin, as well as Representative David Rouzer, and others on a bi-partisan basis, to shape and execute legislative strategy at critical stages.
“President Trump has been a stalwart in his support for the Lumbee Tribe for years, and we look forward to him signing this historic legislation,” said Moorehead. Once signed into law, the NDAA provision will grant the Tribe access to an array of federal programs and services, including those provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service, while affirming the tribe’s sovereign government-to-government status. The tribe–with an estimated 60,000 members–will become one of the largest federally-recognized tribes in the United States.
The inclusion of the Lumbee Fairness Act in the NDAA marks the culmination of decades of legislative efforts and bipartisan action, and is a major win for the Powers Law Indian Tribal Governments Practice, which was recognized as a National Tier 1 Native American Law group this year by The Best Lawyers in America® in ‘Best Law Firms’.