NC-11 is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians — a sovereign Tribal Nation whose culture and history are a national treasure. As their representative in Congress, I strongly oppose any effort that weakens tribal legitimacy or diverts resources from those with verified ancestral claims, including federal recognition of the Lumbee community in this year's NDAA. This provision sets a harmful precedent by undermining the merit-based federal recognition process and threatening the integrity of

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