[StBernard] Rep. Melancon Supports Better Housing for Chitimacha, other Tribes in Indian Country

[Westley Annis]

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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