WASHINGTON (WTVD) -- After decades of political maneuvering through Congress and government agencies, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina may finally achieve federal recognition through the National Defense Authorization Act.

The House easily passed the Act by a vote of 312-112. Eighteen Republicans voted no, and 94 Democrats voted against it.

The Senate could vote on final passage as soon as next week. The measure, which authorizes about a $900 billion defense budget, must be passed by both chambers of Congress before the end of the year.

The Lumbee's efforts to gain federal recognition - which would come with federal funding, access to resources such as the Indian Health Service, and the ability to take land into trust - have been controversial for many years both in Indian Country

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