A bill in the U.S. House introduced by Rep. James P. Moran, passed on a voice vote last Wednesday. It would grant federal recognition to members of the Chickahominy, Chickahominy Indians Eastern Division, Nansemond, Rappahannock and Upper Mattaponi tribes as well as the Monacan Indian Nation.

Previous attempts to provide this recognition, including a bill as recently as 2007, have stalled. The bill goes next to the U.S. Senate, where passage seems likely, with Senators Webb and Warner as sponsors. "A good deal of staff time and resources have gone into laying the groundwork for the reintroduction of this bill to ensure a successful outcome in this Congress," Mr. Webb said.

"We're very hopeful, but we know there's a lot of work to be done," said Wayne Adkins, an assistant chief with the Chickahominy Indian tribe. Recognition will give the tribes access to federal grants and benefits. More than 560 tribes have achieved recognition.

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine called the vote "a major step towards reconciling an historic wrong for Virginia and the nation."

(Dave Sagarin, June 24, 2009)