House bill would give federal recognition to Virginia's Cheroenhaka Nottoway tribe
In committeeH.R. 5144Latest action
Sponsor: Jennifer A. Kiggans · Representative · VA
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Official title: Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia, Federal Recognition Act
119th Congress
Topics: Family & community
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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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
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.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedSep 4, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 4, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The 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.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.