Rep. Juan Vargas Tribal Housing Assistance Provision Included in Financial Services Committee Budget Reconciliation Package

Press Release

Rep. Juan Vargas' (CA-51) provision was included in the Financial Services Committee (FSC) budget reconciliation package for President Biden's American Rescue Plan. The provision will appropriate a total of $750 million towards tribal nations' affordable housing and self-determined housing activities, Native Hawaiian housing, and community development for tribal nations.

"Native Americans are dying of COVID-19 at a faster rate than any other community in the U.S. The pandemic has exacerbated daily struggles for basic needs such as paying rent and feeding our families," said Rep. Vargas. "My provision will help assist our tribal nations impacted by the pandemic by allocating $750 million for rent and housing assistance."

Of the $750 million, $280 million will be used to fund actions under the Housing and Community Development Act. These funds will help cover or reimburse expenses used to address imminent threats to tribal affordable housing and health services. The federal aid will all be made available to assist with immediate expenses and costs incurred back to January 21, 2020.

"The pandemic's disproportionate impacts must be addressed in the American Rescue Plan and future COVID-19 relief legislation," said. Rep. Juan Vargas. "Tribal families deserve access to adequate housing in this time of public crisis."

The FSC is voting on their portion of the reconciliation package this week.

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