YourVoice.Now Summary
Federal recognition for Virginia's Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Tribe — opens federal services to 325 citizens, but bars gaming.
The details
The Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia would gain federal recognition. The tribe has more than 325 enrolled citizens and owns 263 acres in Courtland. Virginia recognized the tribe in 2010, but federal recognition is a separate status. It would make the tribe and its citizens eligible for federal Indian programs, including health, housing, and education services. Interior would set the service delivery area within 120 days. The tribe could also ask Interior to place land it already owns into federal trust. Only land acquired on or before January 1, 2007 within Southampton County would qualify. Interior would have three years to decide each request. Gaming is expressly barred — the tribe could not run a casino under any federal authority. Hunting, fishing, trapping, and water rights would stay exactly as they are.
Congressional Summary
Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia, Federal Recognition ActThis bill extends federal recognition to the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia.Specifically, the bill makes the tribe and its members eligible for services and benefits provided to federally recognized tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation for the tribe. The delivery area for services and benefits shall be determined in coordination and consultation with the Department of the Interior.Next, the bill sets forth requirements for the tribe regarding its membership roll, governing documents, and governing body.Upon request of the tribe, Interior must take into trust any land held in fee by the tribe that was acquired on or before January 1, 2007, if such lands are located within the boundaries of Southampton County, Virginia. Land taken into trust shall be considered part of the tribe's reservation.Further, the bill prohibits the tribe from conducting gaming activities.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-09-04
- Date Added
- 2026-07-24
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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