Pearce Fights For Flexibility Within Indian Housing Assistance

Press Release

PEARCE FIGHTS FOR FLEXIBILITY WITHIN INDIAN HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Today, Congressman Stevan Pearce fought along side Mescalero President Mark Chino to reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) which allows Indian tribes to retain autonomy over how they use funds from Indian Housing Block Grants.

Since 1996, tribes have had increased flexibility in using their grant money for infrastructure and rehabilitation of homes under NAHASDA. Rep. Pearce has been a strong supporter of keeping this structure in place which benefits Native Americans in New Mexico and across the country.

"There is a great need for more housing that is quality, affordable and equipped with basic utilities including water, plumbing, gas and electricity. What good is a house if it doesn't have a toilet that flushes or is subject to flooding every time it rains?" Pearce said today at the hearing. "As a member of this Committee from a very rural state, I believe it is important to raise these issues to bring more understanding of the realities New Mexicans and our Native American tribes face."

Mark Chino, President of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was asked by Rep. Pearce to appear before the Committee and give testimony about the importance of reauthorizing the legislation and the impact it has had for the last decade.

"The Mescalero Apache Tribe has a huge housing need with over 500 families on a housing waiting list. They consistently look for creative ways to bring affordable housing to their reservation," said Pearce.

Congressman Pearce recently toured the Pueblo of Zuni and saw first-hand the conditions that exist throughout the community.

"Most of the streets in the historic plaza do not have gutters to control water run-off nor do the roofs of most houses. This is an example of where NAHASDA dollars should be eligible for infrastructure use to help these low-income families build gutters in their neighborhoods and protect their homes," Pearce explained.

He added: "I understand Chairman Frank, Chairwoman Waters and Congressmen Kildee have circulated draft legislation to reauthorize NAHASDA and I look forward to working with them on this issue."

Attached to this release is the testimony from President Chino as well as a picture of Congressman Pearce touring the Zuni Pueblo.

Suggested Picture Caption: Congressman Steve Pearce tours the Pueblo of Zuni with Councilman Arden Kucate.
Credits: Photo by Brian Phillips

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