RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – Virginia's two senators have reintroduced legislation that would grant federal recognition to six of Virginia's American Indian tribes.

Sens. Jim Webb and Mark Warner said in a release that they've introduced the Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act.

Last year a committee approved the measure, but it didn't receive a vote in the full Senate.

The six Virginia tribes are the Chickahominy Tribe; the Chickahominy Indian Tribe - Eastern Division; the Upper Mattaponi Trib; the Rappahannock Tribe; the Monacan Indian Nation; and the Nansemond Indian Tribe.

Federal recognition would qualify the six tribes for certain federal benefits.

Rep. Jim Moran also re-introduced the Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act in the House of Representatives.