H.R. 5144In committeeFamily & community
House bill would give federal recognition to Virginia's Cheroenhaka Nottoway tribe
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 5144 would federally recognize the ~325-member Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) tribe of Virginia, unlocking health, education, and social program eligibility.55-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
HR 5144 would grant federal recognition to the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe, based in Southampton County, Virginia. The tribe currently holds state recognition from Virginia but not federal recognition. If enacted, the federal government could also take land the tribe owned before 2007 in Southampton County into trust as reservation land, and a federal service area would be established within 120 days of the bill becoming law.
Who does it affect?
The bill directly affects the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe and its approximately 325 enrolled members. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and relevant federal agencies would be responsible for implementing the new recognition and service area.
Why does it matter?
Virginia's 1924 Racial Integrity Act wrongly reclassified many of the tribe's members in official records, making it extremely difficult to gain recognition through the standard Bureau of Indian Affairs process. Congress is acting directly because of that historical barrier, rather than requiring the tribe to pursue the normal administrative route. The bill prohibits the tribe from conducting any gaming or casino operations and does not alter any existing hunting, fishing, trapping, or water rights.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia, Federal Recognition Act
- Introduced:
- September 4, 2025
- Latest action:
- September 4, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.