Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act
Sponsored By: Representative Vindman
Introduced
Summary
Grants federal recognition to the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia. It would define who is a Tribal member, set rules for Tribal governance, allow land to be taken into trust in certain Virginia counties, ban tribal gaming, and confirm existing natural resource rights.
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- Tribal members and families: Membership would be limited to people enrolled as of enactment or added to the Tribe's rolls under this title. Recognized members would be eligible for federal laws and services where those laws are consistent with the Act.
- Tribal governance: The Tribe's current governing body or any body elected under the Tribe's own governing documents would serve as the official government. The Tribe's submitted governing documents and membership rolls would determine membership.
- Land, rights, and limits: The Secretary of the Interior could take land into trust for the Tribe within specified Virginia counties and must issue a final written determination within 3 years after a request. The Tribe could request that trust land be treated as reservation land, the bill bars tribal gaming under federal law, clarifies hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, and water rights, and prohibits using eminent domain to acquire lands for the Tribe.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Federal recognition and services for Patawomeck Tribe
If enacted, the Patawomeck Tribe would be federally recognized. Tribal members would be eligible for federal services for recognized tribes starting on enactment. No reservation would be required to get services. For service delivery, the area would be King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford Counties in Virginia. The bill would define who counts as a Tribal member using the Tribe’s submitted roll and rules.
Trust land option in three Virginia counties
If enacted, the Interior Secretary could take Patawomeck-owned land into trust in King George, Spotsylvania, or Stafford Counties, Virginia. The Secretary would have to issue a final written decision within 3 years of the Tribe’s request. If land is taken into trust, the Tribe could ask to treat it as reservation land.
No tribal gaming and no eminent domain
If enacted, the Patawomeck Tribe would be barred from gaming, including under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Governments could not use eminent domain to take land for the Tribe. The bill would not change hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Vindman
VA • D
Cosponsors
Wittman
VA • R
Sponsored 7/23/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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