HOUSE PASSES PEARCE NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING BILL

Washington, DC (Dec. 2, 2014) Today, Congressman Steve Pearce is proud to announce the bipartisan passage of the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act Reauthorization of 2014 (NAHASDA).  By a voice vote, the House acted to increase access to safe and affordable housing for Native Americans nationwide.  In addition to reauthorizing the legislation, HR 4329 includes a number of reforms that will provide lease-to-own programs aimed at providing rural tribes with the means for self-determination, and allow tribes to focus more on money and development, instead of administrative requirements.

“Prosperity has eluded Native American families living on tribal land for too long.  NAHASDA has been a driving force in reversing this trend on tribal lands, providing opportunity and housing for millions more since its inception in 1996,” said Pearce.  “I am extremely proud to be the sponsor of this legislation, which has been called transformative by tribal leaders.  It represents another positive step in modernizing current housing, and providing tribal leaders with greater self-autonomy in meeting the needs that face their communities.

“I appreciate my colleagues in the House, who have worked with me to make this legislation not only a reality, but a truly bipartisan effort for change.  Working across the aisle with Gwen Moore, Denny Heck, and Maxine Waters among others, and with tribal leaders nationwide, we have been be to make critical reforms requested and needed in tribal communities.

"Working together, we were able to reduce the burden and expand opportunity in Native housing. These reforms will result in more efficient use of taxpayer money and provide faster approval of projects, allowing tribes to focus money and resources on development and innovation. By providing Native Americans more housing, we expand pride in communities and increase opportunities for the next generation.  I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly adopt this legislation.”

NOTE: H.R. 4329, The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, was first signed into law in 1996. This five-year authorization bill includes a number of reforms, updates and additions to the originating legislation.