Press Room
On The Issues
Photo Gallery
Committees
Just For Kids!
Floor Statements

Contact Stephanie
Flag Requests
Visit DC
Casework
Internships

Sponsored 109th
Co-Sponsored 109th
Sponsored 108th
Co-Sponsored 108th

About Stephanie
About South Dakota
House of Representatives
Thomas
Blue Dog Coalition
Veterans History Project

Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005
April 6, 2005

Mr. Speaker:

I want to thank the distinguished gentleman from Utah, Mr. Matheson, for allowing me a few minutes to voice my support for the Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005. And I would like to thank my distinguished colleague from Arizona, Mr. Renzi, with whom I have the pleasure of serving on the Resources Committee, for introducing this important legislation.

As my colleagues have indicated, the Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005 will ensure that Congress’s intent is carried out with respect to tribal access to new NAHASDA funds. It will also create a more appropriate Civil Rights standard for Tribal Governments administering USDA housing programs, and will give tribes access to an important housing and youth services program, Youthbuild.

In my conversations with Tribal leaders and Tribal housing officials from across the state, the message is consistent. There is a desperate need for more housing in Indian Country. This is because, historically, there has been inadequate funding provided for housing programs. For instance, on the Pine Ridge Reservation in Southwest South Dakota, current NAHASDA funding levels are insufficient to allow them to address their very acute housing needs. In Pine Ridge, it is not uncommon to have 25 individuals, or more, living in one housing unit. I hear similar concerns from other tribes, from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in the north to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate in eastern South Dakota. And please bear in mind that these reservations are located in an area of the country where temperatures can reach 25 below, or colder, in the wintertime. Adequate housing on South Dakota’s reservations is truly a matter of life and death.

This legislation is a meaningful step in the right direction. It would allow tribes unrestricted access to new NAHASDA funds, even if they still retain program income from previous years. This will ensure tribal governments are not punished for developing successful, income-generating housing stock. This legislation is a top priority of the United Native American Housing Association, a regional group that represents 32 housing programs in the HUD Northern Plains Region, including all of South Dakota. It also is similar to legislation introduced in the Senate this year by my colleague, Tim Johnson.

Of course, there is much more to be done. We should acknowledge and live up to the treaty obligations that we have with tribes across the country and respect the sovereignty of tribal governments. One way to do this is by responding to the substantial housing needs on our Reservations by funding NAHASDA at a level that will allow tribal members to live with dignity in safe, sanitary housing.

Mr. Speaker, I hope the passage of this legislation emphasizes the current housing needs in Indian Country and resonates with my colleagues. It is a step in the right direction, but we can and must do more.

I yield back the balance of my time.