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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth
For Immediate Release
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

HOUSE PASSES HERSETH LEGISLATION

Herseth’s Bill Makes Permanent a Native American Veterans Home Loan Program

November 10, 2005, Washington, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation today that includes a provision from Rep. Stephanie Herseth to increase home loan opportunities for Native American veterans. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Native American Home Loan program directs home loans to eligible Native American veterans who wish to purchase, construct or improve a home on tribal trust lands.

Herseth’s bill, HR 1773, was included in a larger piece of legislation affecting veterans, HR 3665, which passed the House today by unanimous consent. Herseth is a member of the Veterans’ Affairs committee and is Ranking Member of its subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. Last year, Herseth passed legislation to extend the pilot program until 2008, while this year’s bill makes it permanent.

Herseth said, “This program has been proven to help Native American veterans in South Dakota and across the country in becoming home owners. Native Americans are proud and patriotic Americans who serve their country in high numbers, and once they return from their service, they should have every opportunity to purchase and own a home. Now, at a time in our nation's history when we are asking men and women in our Armed Forces for greater sacrifices, we must make sure we keep our promises to veterans, and honor their service.”

Rep. John Boozman, Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, and lead sponsor of the overall bill, said, “I am grateful to the Ranking Member on Economic Opportunity, Rep. Herseth, for her hard work on this bill and willingness to cooperate in a bipartisan manner on behalf of Native American veterans.”

Since its inception of the pilot program in 1992, the VA has made 443 direct loans to Native American veterans – including 20 from South Dakota. The VA direct loans are generally limited to either the cost of the home or $80,000, depending on which is less.

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Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives.  She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America.  She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests:  Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Resources.