Renzi Bill to Improve Tribal Housing Passes Senate

Renzi Bill to Improve Tribal Housing Passes Senate
Native American Housing Enhancement Act Will Streamline Indian Housing Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Senate this week passed a bill authored by Congressman Rick Renzi (AZ-1) to assist in stretching existing resources and creating funding flexibility for Native American housing. Known as the Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005, the bill (HR 797) makes three important changes to various existing housing statutes, including the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA). The bill was passed by the House in April of 2005.

"This bill will help give Native Americans in rural Arizona, and across the nation, the tools they need to better utilize federal housing programs and plan for the future," said Congressman Renzi. "I am especially pleased to see the YouthBuild program reinstituted to help teach life skills to at-risk youth. This program not only provides these young people with an opportunity to improve themselves, it allows them to assist their communities by building new housing for needy families."

Congressman Renzi's bill specifically clarifies the intent of NAHASDA. It will let the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allow tribes unrestricted access to new NAHASDA funds, even if they still retain income from previous years. This important provision removes a barrier that has been in place since 1996. Previous concerns about possible penalties for generating and retaining housing related funds have prevented tribes from accessing vital housing grants.

The measure also helps bring the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) housing programs in line with HUD's Indian housing programs. Tribal governments are currently unable to exercise Indian preference for USDA housing programs, because it is considered a Civil Rights violation to give preference based on race. Indian preference is essential because it allows the tribal governments to address the needs of their citizens. The change would allow tribal governments to abide by the Indian Civil Rights Act rather than the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when utilizing USDA housing program funds.

"Navajo families extend their appreciation to Congressman Renzi for his leadership toward improving the condition of Native American housing," said Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr., "I am thankful for his efforts that will improve our communities across the Navajo Nation and the rest of Native America."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/az01_renzi/RenziIndianHousingBill.html