[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 65 (Friday, May 10, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E760-E761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND SELF-DETERMINATION ACT OF 1996

                                 ______


                            HON. TIM JOHNSON

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 1996

  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
strong support for the Native American Housing and Self-Determination 
Act offered as an amendment to

[[Page E761]]

the U.S. Housing Act of 1996 by Representative Hayworth. I am an 
original cosponsor of this bill because I believe there is a pressing 
need to assess and reorganize Native American housing programs in this 
country. This amendment is a strong step in the right direction.
  Chairman Lazio and his staff have put forth a great deal of effort to 
ensure that the needs of Native Americans in my State and across the 
country have been given serious attention and consideration throughout 
the crafting of this bill.
  I agree with Chairman Lazio and the Native American Indian Housing 
Council that Indian housing should be divorced from public housing 
programs because of the unique needs of Indian country and the many 
economic challenges that must be overcome. The U.S. Housing Act does 
not address these unique needs, and I believe including the Native 
American Housing and Self-Determination Act as an amendment to H.R. 
4206 will guarantee that quality housing for Native American 
communities is not neglected as Federal housing programs are revamped 
in Congress.
  Housing is an integral and most basic component to economic 
development for Indian and non-Indian communities alike. I support the 
premise of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act because Congress must prioritize programs which 
develop infrastructure on reservations and enhance economic growth for 
tribal communities. Additionally, the extreme health problems that many 
Indian communities face can be linked directly to inadequate housing, 
problems that can begin to be addressed through this Indian self-
determination legislation. The flexibility in funding and in the 
administration of housing programs that this bill promotes is the key 
to tribal self-sufficiency and self-determination in housing 
management. Ultimately, this self-determination will result in 
increased access to safe, affordable housing for Native American people 
nationwide.
  The unique housing needs of Indian country warrant a continued 
Federal commitment to successful tribal housing programs. I look 
forward to working with Chairman Lazio, my colleagues, and Indian 
tribes nationwide to make the Native American Housing and Self-
Determination Act a reality, with the health and welfare of Indian 
tribes our foremost priority. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for 
the Hayworth amendment on Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination.

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