H.R. 5144 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Natural Resources, Sep 4, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryFederal recognition for Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia
This bill grants federal recognition to the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia. Once recognized, the tribe and its members become eligible for federal services and benefits available to other federally recognized tribes. The bill also allows the tribe to request that the Department of the Interior take ownership of certain lands it holds in Southampton County, which would then be considered part of the tribe's reservation, though the tribe is prohibited from conducting gaming activities.
How it affects you
Members of the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe would directly benefit by gaining access to federal services and benefits. Other people in Southampton County and across the country would see a federally recognized tribe added to the system, though the bill does not allow this tribe to operate casinos, which distinguishes it from some other tribal gaming operations.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Sep 4, 2025)
Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia, Federal Recognition Act
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.
Further, the bill prohibits the tribe from conducting gaming activities.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 5144
A BILL
Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia, Federal Recognition Act
Sponsor: Rep. Jennifer A. Kiggans (R-VA-2) · Introduced Sep 4, 2025 · Native Americans · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Sep 4, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.”
Sections
Sections · 9
- Sec. 1Short titleNo change
- Sec. 2FindingsNo change
- Sec. 3DefinitionsNo change
- Sec. 4Federal recognitionNo change
- Sec. 5Membership; governing documentsNo change
- Sec. 6Governing bodyNo change
- Sec. 7Reservation of the TribeNo change
- Sec. 8GamingNo change
- Sec. 9Hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, and water rightsNo change