Department of Interior’s action recognizing our historical and ancestral ties to North Carolina,” said Catawba Nation Chief Bill Harris. “The Catawba Indian Nation Lands Act reaffirms the U.S. President Biden is now expected to sign the National Defense Authorization Act, and thus the Catawba Indian Nation Lands Act, into law in the coming days. In a press statement, the Catawba Nation voices its thanks and appreciation for the passage. The House had first voiced bipartisan support of the Catawba Indian Nation Lands Act in a 361-55 vote on November 1. The bill was part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and passed the Senate by a vote of 89 to 10 last Thursday, after passing the House of Representatives on December 7.
The tribe calls the passage of the legislation “historic,” and describes it as the “final step in a decades-long fight.” The news was highly expected by the Catawbas, which opened the Catawba Two Kings casino in Kings Mountain, Cleveland County, in a temporary facility in July, while awaiting federal approval. Congress has passed the Catawba Indian Nation Lands bill, which affirms the tribe’s territory extends to North Carolina, and clarifies the nation is subject to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in said lands.
