September 6, 2007
Contact: Robin Winchell (202) 225-4031
WASHINGTON, DC -U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA)
voted today in support of legislation to continue a successful housing
assistance program that benefits the Chitimacha tribe in south Louisiana, as
well as other federally-recognized Native American tribes across the
country. H.R. 2786, the Native American Housing Assistance and
Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007, passed the House with overwhelming
bipartisan support.
"Lack of quality housing is often at the root of serious
social problems like unemployment and poverty," said Rep. Melancon. "This
legislation will re-authorize federal grants to help tribes in Indian Country
create more safe and affordable housing on reservations, providing the
foundation for a better future for their people."
Rep. Melancon continued, "The Native American Housing
Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007 also respects the
proud heritage and sovereignty of Indian nations like the Chitimacha by
allowing tribal governments to independently determine how best to
utilize housing grants to help their people. I am proud to support this
bill and will continue working to strengthen the partnership the federal
government has with the Chitimacha."
First approved in 1996, the Native American Housing
Assistance Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) reorganized and simplified the
Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) system of housing
assistance to American Indians and Alaska Natives by eliminating several
separate HUD programs and replacing them with a single block grant program made
directly to tribes. The purpose of NAHASDA is to provide Federal assistance for
Indian tribes in a manner that recognizes the right of tribal self-governance
and permits tribes and tribally designated housing authorities to approach
often crisis housing conditions with greater flexibility.
H.R. 2786 reauthorizes the NAHASDA for another five years
and amends the law to address housing needs in Indian Country. The bill
clarifies rules and regulations that apply to NAHASDA to remove regulatory
burdens and make it easier for tribes to execute their Indian Housing Plans
pursuant to NAHASDA. The bill also attempts to encourage tribes to participate
in low income housing tax credit projects and the Title VI loan guarantee
program, and to compete for HOME funds.
H.R. 2786 also creates a self- determination-housing program
to allow tribes to make independent decisions regarding the use of a portion of
their NAHASDA grant to acquire, rehabilitate, and construct housing.
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