What does Preamble of Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act do?

This bill aims to extend Federal recognition to the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia The bill has been introduced to the House of Representatives The bill was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

What does SHORT TITLE. of Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act do?

This section details the historical presence and experiences of the Patawomeck Tribe in Virginia, beginning with their prominent role during early European contact. The text outlines significant historical events impacting the Patawomeck, including interactions with Captain John Smith, the recording of their creation story by Japazaw, and the issuance of a badge by the King of England to Wahanganoche. The section describes periods of conflict, such as the 1666 declaration of war by the General Council of Virginia, and subsequent displacement and assimilation into other Native groups. It highlights the tribe's resilience, including the establishment of White Oak church as a center for community and cultural preservation, and their continued presence in the region. The text also addresses challenges faced by the Patawomeck, including the destruction of records during the Civil War, the impact of the 1924 Racial Integrity Act, and the desecration of ancestral remains. The section concludes by noting the tribe's formal reorganization in 1996, language revitalization efforts, and eventual recognition by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2010, and their current residence in Spotsylvania County.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act do?

This section defines terms used in the Act The term 'Secretary' refers to the Secretary of the Interior The term 'Tribal member' has two definitions based on enrollment and membership rolls

What does FEDERAL RECOGNITION. of Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act do?

This section extends federal recognition to the Tribe. Laws of the United States generally applicable to Indian Tribes will apply to the Tribe and its members, provided they do not conflict with this Act. The Tribe and its members become eligible for federal services and benefits typically provided to federally recognized Indian Tribes, even without a reservation. For delivering federal services, the Tribe's service area is defined as King George County, Spotsylvania County, and Stafford County, Virginia.

What does MEMBERSHIP; GOVERNING DOCUMENTS. of Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act do?

The membership roll of the Tribe is based on the most recent submission to the Secretary The governing documents of the Tribe are also based on the most recent submission

What does GOVERNING BODY. of Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act do?

This section establishes the governing body of the Tribe. The governing body will be either the governing body in place at the time of the Act's enactment, or a subsequent governing body elected according to the Tribe's governing documents.

What does RESERVATION OF THE TRIBE. of Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act do?

This section outlines a process for the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the benefit of a Tribe. The land must be held in fee by the Tribe and located within King George, Spotsylvania, or Stafford County, Virginia. The Secretary has three years from the request submission date to make a final determination. Upon request, land taken into trust can be considered part of the Tribe's reservation. The Tribe is prohibited from conducting gaming activities based on claimed inherent authority or under federal gaming laws.

What does HUNTING, FISHING, TRAPPING, GATHERING, AND WATER RIGHTS. of Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act do?

This section clarifies that the Act does not modify existing hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights. The hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, and water rights of the Tribe and its members are unaffected by this Act.

What does EMINENT DOMAIN. of Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act do?

This section restricts the use of eminent domain. Lands belonging to a Tribe recognized under this Act cannot be acquired through eminent domain.

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Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act

Last updated: 7/23/2025 · Introduced: 7/23/2025

Author: Eugene Vindman (D-VA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill extends federal recognition to the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, making them eligible for federal services and benefits available to federally recognized tribes.
The bill allows the Patawomeck Indian Tribe to request that the Secretary of the Interior take land into trust for the tribe's benefit, within King George, Spotsylvania, or Stafford County, Virginia.
This Act explicitly states that it does not alter existing hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights held by the Patawomeck Tribe or its members.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 8 more.

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