This story is free to read.

Black lawmakers against recognition of Va. tribe

FILE - This Nov. 25, 2009, file photo shows Pamunkey Councilmen Jeff Brown, left, and Gary Miles, hold a deer as their Chief Kevin Brown presents it to Gov. Tim Kaine, second from left, during the annual tax tribute from the Virginia Indians to the Virginia governor in Richmond, Va. Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus are urging the Obama administration to withhold federal recognition of the Pamunkey tribe in southeast Virginia because of its history of banning intermarriage with blacks. (AP Photo/Richmond Times-Dispatch, Alexa Welch Edlund, File) FILE - This Nov. 25, 2009, file photo shows Pamunkey Councilmen Jeff Brown, left, and Gary Miles, hold a deer as their Chief Kevin Brown presents it to Gov. Tim Kaine, second from left, during the annual tax tribute from the Virginia Indians to the Virginia governor in Richmond, Va. Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus are urging the Obama administration to withhold federal recognition of the Pamunkey tribe in southeast Virginia because of its history of banning intermarriage with blacks. (AP Photo/Richmond Times-Dispatch, Alexa Welch Edlund, File)

By Associated Press November 28, 2014 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus are urging the Obama administration to withhold federal recognition of a Virginia Indian tribe because of its history of banning intermarriage with blacks.

In January, the Interior Department proposed recognizing the Pamunkey (puh-MUHN’-kee) tribe in southeast Virginia. That would make members eligible for special benefits in education, housing and medical care – and allow the tribe to pursue a casino.

The black lawmakers have urged Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Attorney General Eric Holder to hold off until the Justice Department investigates any discriminatory practices by the tribe.

Pamunkey Chief Kevin Brown says a tribal ban on intermarriage with blacks was repealed in 2012.

Also challenging recognition of the tribe is MGM Resorts International. It’s building a casino near Washington.