On The Floor

Print
On The Floor  »  Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007

Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007

On September 27, 2008, the House passed the final version of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007, H.R. 2786, which reauthorizes the Native American Housing Assistance Self Determination Act of 1996 for five years and amends the law to address housing needs of Native Americans. On October 14, 2008, this bill was signed into law.

This bill clarifies rules and regulations and makes it easier for tribes to attain affordable housing. The bill 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. It also creates a self-determination housing program to allow tribes to make independent decisions regarding the use of a portion of their grants to acquire, rehabilitate, and construct housing.

The original legislation that this bill amends, the Native American Housing Assistance Self Determination Act, was signed into law in 1996 and reauthorized for five years in 2002. It reorganized and simplified the system of housing assistance to Native Americans by combining separate Housing and Urban Development programs into a single block grant program made directly to tribes. It provided Federal assistance for Native American tribes while also recognizing their right to tribal self-governance. This legislation maintains that right to self-governance, and reduces regulatory burdens on tribes when using their housing grant funds. This legislation will assist Native American tribes in the acquisition, rehabilitation, and construction of affordable housing.

Find the latest news at Leader Pelosi's Blog, The Gavel.
Make it in America is a new legislative initiative from House Democrats to revitalize manufacturing in America, create new good-paying jobs, and make our nation more secure. This effort builds on House Democrats' actions since the start of the Bush Recession to create jobs and lay a strong new foundation for our economy.