Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia, Federal Recognition Act
Introduced Sep 4, 2025 by Rep. Jennifer A. Kiggans
It's waiting on a committee vote to reach the full chamber. Most bills never leave this stage.
This 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.
Read the full summary on Congress.govSummary by the Congressional Research Service.
No floor votes yet — it hasn't reached the floor of either chamber.