Texas
New Bill Pushes for Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Federal Recognition
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Key points
- U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez introduced H.R. 10435 to grant federal recognition to the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas.
- The bill would establish formal government-to-government relations, granting the tribe access to federal healthcare, education, and law enforcement programs.
- The legislation also aims to protect tribal religious rights, including the ceremonial possession of eagle and migratory bird feathers.
NewsWK — Texas lawmakers are considering a new legislative push to grant official federal status to a historic native group. Recently, Representative Vicente Gonzalez introduced a bill to secure Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas federal recognition.
Why it matters
This legislation would formally establish government-to-government relations between the United States and the tribe. Consequently, enrolled members would gain access to federal services. These programs cover vital areas such as healthcare, education, law enforcement, and resource protection.
What is the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Recognition Act?
The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Recognition Act seeks to extend full federal rights to the tribe. This proposal is also known as HR 10435. Recently, Representative Vicente Gonzalez introduced the Vicente Gonzalez Lipan Apache bill on September 16, 2026. Then, the House Committee on Natural Resources received the bill for review.
Historically, the tribe has secured recognition at the state and local levels. Key milestones include:
- The Texas Legislature passed recognition resolutions in 2009 and 2019.
- Additionally, Presidio County and City transferred a sacred cemetery deed to the tribe in 2021.
- The new federal bill was announced ahead of the tribe’s Veterans Powwow in Corpus Christi.
How will the bill protect tribal traditions?
The proposed law secures essential religious and cultural protections for enrolled members of the tribe. Specifically, it allows members to obtain and possess eagle and migratory bird feathers for ceremonial use. This change eliminates the need for individual court litigation to protect these religious freedoms.
Who supports the Texas Lipan Apache federal recognition?
Meanwhile, tribal leaders and local officials strongly support the Texas Lipan Apache federal recognition effort. Tribal Chairman Bernard F. Barcena, Jr. and Vice-Chairman Dr. Robert Soto have long advocated for these rights. Notably, Dr. Soto was the lead plaintiff in a landmark 2014 federal lawsuit regarding eagle feather possession.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
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