Bill would recognize seven Indian tribes in Virginia and North Carolina, but they couldn't build casinos

A bill passed by the U.S. House this week would recognize seven Indian tribes in North Carolina and Virginia, but would not permit them to build casinos. If passed, the tribes would be eligible for up to $800 million in federal funds for housing, education and health benefits, Mary Clare Jalonick reports for The Associated Press.

The six Virginia tribes, which have been seeking recognition since the 1990s, have around 3,000 members. They are the Eastern Chickahominy, Chickahominy, Upper Mattaponi, Rappahannock, Monacan and Nansemond. The Lumbee tribe in North Carolina claims 55,000 members. Its effort for federal recognition, which began in 1899, has recieved support from President Barack Obama and several members of Congress. But some other tribes say the Lumbee haven't proven their historical status. (Read more)