Jarrod Lowery, a Republican who represents Robeson County in the N.C. House of Representatives, is co-sponsoring several bills in the General Assembly. We asked him about the legislation — and how President Donald Trump’s push for full federal recognition for the Lumbee tribe is going.
Lowery, a tribal member and the brother of Lumbee chairman John Lowery, answered our questions below. His responses have not been edited.
In late January, Trump ordered the Department of the Interior to submit a plan within 90 days that outlines paths for full federal recognition for the Lumbee tribe. What’s the status of the plan, and what happens next?
The Department of the Interior is still in the process of staffing key positions, including assistant secretaries who would be responsible for implementing this plan. Until those confirmations are completed in the Senate, progress is slower than we’d like. However, I’m confident that Lumbee recognition remains a top priority within DOI’s legislative agenda.
The White House has maintained communication with Lumbee tribal leaders throughout this process, which is encouraging. Now, we need the Senate to move forward with key confirmations so DOI can execute the plan. Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis are ready to act, and I trust our North Carolina congressional delegation to push for swift action once the plan is formally presented. This is long overdue, and we’ll keep fighting to ensure full federal recognition becomes a reality.
What would full federal recognition mean for the everyday lives of Lumbees living in North Carolina and beyond?
Full federal recognition would be a game-changer for the Lumbee people, providing long-overdue access to federal funding for healthcare, education, housing, and economic development. The biggest impact would be access to Indian Health Services (IHS), ensuring healthcare for all Lumbee citizens, regardless of income, and reducing reliance on state programs like Medicaid.
It would also bring new resources for public safety and emergency response, benefiting the entire region. Economically, recognition would open doors to federal contracting opportunities, including Super 8(a) status that helps tribal enterprises to secure federal contracts without outgrowing the limits placed on the standard 8(a) program.
This isn’t just about fairness — it’s about giving the Lumbee people the tools to build a stronger future.
You are a primary sponsor on HB 224, the Strengthen Our Tribal Communities Act. What would the bill mean for North Carolina tribes, including the Lumbee, and why is it important?
The Strengthen Our Tribal Communities Act ensures all of North Carolina’s tribes — not just gaming tribes — receive support for education, cultural preservation, and economic development. Many states already share gaming revenue with non-gaming tribes, and this bill follows that proven model.
For smaller tribes, this funding means better community services and new opportunities. It also provides long-overdue support for the Indian Education Office at DPI, helping Native students statewide. This bill will help every Native community in North Carolina.
You are a primary sponsor of House Bill 171, Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI. Why is it important to you to ban diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices within state government agencies? How do you respond to advocates of DEI policies?
Over the last several years, DEI programs have strayed from their original intent and have become inherently discriminatory, promoting racial profiling and division rather than unity. House Bill 171 ensures that state government operates on the principles of equal opportunity, merit, and fairness — without political ideology influencing hiring and employment decisions.
At a time when we are struggling to fill critical government positions, we should be focused on attracting the best and brightest based on skill and qualifications, not identity-based policies. North Carolinians expect a government that serves everyone equally, and this bill reaffirms that commitment.
You are a primary sponsor of HB 79, which would establish a “Work and Save” program that would allow workers to sign up for a retirement savings plan even if their employers can’t afford to participate. Why is the initiative important to you, particularly as it relates to Robeson County?
The Work & Save Act is critical because nearly 2 million North Carolinians have no retirement savings, leaving them vulnerable as they age. I know firsthand what it’s like to grow up in a family that relies on Social Security — it’s not enough, and too many families live one emergency away from financial hardship.
This is especially true in rural areas like Robeson County, where many workers don’t have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. This program gives them an easy, affordable way to start saving.
Beyond helping individuals, it also benefits taxpayers. If people can save now, we will reduce the strain on social services later. Work & Save is a common-sense solution that empowers North Carolinians to plan for their future.