[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 6, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H1794-H1797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005
Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 797) to amend the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 and other Acts to improve housing programs
for Indians.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 797
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Native American Housing
Enhancement Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) there exist--
(A) a unique relationship between the Government of the
United States and the governments of Indian tribes; and
(B) a unique Federal trust responsibility to Indian people;
(2) Native Americans experience some of the worst housing
conditions in the country, with--
(A) 32.6 percent of Native homes being overcrowded;
(B) 33 percent lacking adequate solid waste management
systems;
(C) 8 percent lacking a safe indoor water supply; and
(D) approximately 90,000 Native families who are homeless
or underhoused;
(3) the poverty rate for Native Americans is twice that of
the rest of the population of the United States;
(4) the population growth of Native Americans that began in
the latter part of the 20th century increased the need for
Federal housing services;
(5)(A) under the requirements of the Native American
Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25
U.S.C. 4101 et seq.), members of Indian tribes are given
preference for housing programs;
(B) a primary purpose of the Act is to allow Indian tribes
to leverage funds with other Federal and private funds;
(C) the Department of Agriculture has been a significant
funding source for housing for Indian tribes; and
(D) to allow assistance provided under the Act and
assistance provided by the Secretary of Agriculture under
other law to be combined to meet the severe housing needs of
Indian tribes, the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et
seq.) should be amended to allow for the preference referred
to in subparagraph (A) by granting an exemption from title VI
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) and
title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et
seq.) to tribes who comply with the Indian Civil Rights Act
(title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1968; 25 U.S.C. 1301-
1303), or who are acting under the Native American Housing
Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C.
4131(b)); and
(6) section 457 of the Cranston-Gonzales National
Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12899f) should be amended
to include Indian tribes, tribally designated housing
entities, or other agencies that primarily serve Indians as
eligible applicants for YouthBuild grants.
SEC. 3. TREATMENT OF PROGRAM INCOME.
Section 104(a)(2) of the Native American Housing Assistance
and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4114(a)(2)) is
amended by inserting ``restrict access to or'' after ``not''.
SEC. 4. CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE.
Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 544. INDIAN TRIBES.
``(a) In General.--Federally recognized Indian Tribes who
exercise powers of self-government (or their
instrumentalities) shall comply with the Indian Civil Rights
Act (title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1968; 25 U.S.C.
1301-1303) when receiving assistance under this title.
``(b) Exemption.--Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
(42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) and title VIII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) shall not apply to--
``(1) tribes covered by the Indian Civil Rights Act (title
II of the Civil Rights Act of 1968; 25 U.S.C. 1301-1303); or
``(2) tribes acting under section 201(b) of the Native
American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of
1996 (25 U.S.C. 4131(b)).''.
SEC. 5. ELIGIBILITY OF INDIAN TRIBES FOR YOUTHBUILD GRANTS.
Section 457(2) of the Cranston-Gonzales National Affordable
Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12899f(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (G) as sub-paragraph (H);
and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following:
``(G) an Indian tribe, tribally designated housing entity
(as defined in section 4 of the Native American Housing
Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C.
4103)), or other agency primarily serving Indians; and''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Arizona (Mr. Renzi) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Matheson) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi).
General Leave
Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and to include extraneous material on this legislation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Arizona?
There was no objection.
Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 5 minutes.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have on the floor today H.R. 797, the
Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005, which I introduced
this year with the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Matheson).
While visiting with my Navaho and Apache constituents, I have learned
[[Page H1795]]
that there is a need for a real focus on long-term housing planning. If
we can help tribes be flexible with their grant money, we can see great
projects such as Apache Dawn, a multiphased construction development by
the White Mountain Apaches that was built because they were able to be
flexible and creative with their funding.
This bill makes three changes that will help Native American
communities in rural Arizona and other Native American communities
throughout America better address their housing needs. The first
section of this bill will clarify that tribes are allowed unrestricted
access to new NAHASDA funds even if they still retain program income
from previous years. Currently the tribe's grant money may be
restricted if that tribe is receiving program income in excess of their
operating costs. This clarification is critical to ensure that we are
not creating a disincentive for tribes to create housing plans for
their future developments.
Second, this bill also brings USDA housing programs in line with HUD
programs in allowing Indian preference which lets tribes abide by the
Indian Civil Rights Act. Currently tribal governments may not exercise
Indian preference for USDA programs because it would be considered a
civil rights violation for giving preference based upon racial
designation. Indian preference is something tribal governments value
greatly in addressing the needs of their citizens. It is not a race
issue. Indian preference recognizes the political designation of tribes
as sovereign entities with whom we have entered into a government-to-
government relationship. This amendment will help ensure greater tribal
usage of USDA rural development programs.
Because another program that tribes use for their youth program
existed when NAHASDA was enacted, Youthbuild, accessibility was taken
away. Not only are tribes prohibited from applying for Youthbuild
funds, but organizations serving Native youths are prohibited as well;
yet the statistics are overwhelming. Mr. Speaker, the suicide rate for
Native American youth is three times the national average. Alcohol-
related deaths among Native Americans ages 15 to 24 are 17 times higher
than the national average. American Native youth ages 12 to 20 are 58
percent more likely to become crime victims than any other race of the
same age span. And as of February 2001, 74 percent of youth in custody
in the Federal Bureau of Prisons System were Native American youths, an
increase of 50 percent since 1994. Native American youth represent 1
percent of the U.S. population, yet constitute as much as 3 percent of
the youth arrests for larceny, thefts and liquor law violations. These
grim statistics speak to the importance of programs that teach life
skills and give a sense of community to children in Indian Country.
Current tragic events make clear the need to allow our children, our
Native American children, to participate in a program that builds
stronger neighborhoods, safe homes, more self-esteem, and make a
difference for their future. I ask support for this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to
the gentlewoman from South Dakota (Ms. Herseth), who is a true leader
on all Native American issues, and I know she has great concern on
housing issues as well.
Ms. HERSETH. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished gentleman
from Utah (Mr. Matheson) for yielding me time to voice my support for
the Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005, and I would like
to thank the distinguished gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi), with
whom I have the pleasure of serving on the Committee on Resources, for
introducing this important legislation.
As my colleagues have indicated, the Native American Housing
Enhancement Act of 2005 will ensure that Congress's intent is carried
out with respect to tribal access to new NAHASDA funds. The gentleman
from Arizona made the compelling point that the act will also create a
more appropriate civil rights standard for tribal governments
administering USDA housing programs and will give tribes access to an
important housing and youth services program known as Youthbuild.
In my conversations with tribal leaders and tribal housing officials
from across the State of South Dakota, the message is consistent. There
is a desperate need for more housing in Indian Country. This is because
historically there has been inadequate funding provided for housing
programs. For instance, on the Pine Ridge Reservation, home to the
Oglala Sioux Tribe in southwest South Dakota, current NAHASDA funding
levels are insufficient to allow them to address their very acute
housing needs. In Pine Ridge it is not uncommon to have 25 individuals
or more living in one housing unit.
I hear similar concerns from other tribes, from the Cheyenne River
Sioux Tribe in the north to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate in eastern
South Dakota, and please bear in mind that these reservations are
located in an area of the country where temperatures can reach 25 below
or colder in the wintertime.
{time} 1315
Adequate housing on South Dakota's reservations is truly a matter of
life and death.
This legislation is a meaningful step in the right direction. It
would allow tribes unrestricted access to new NAHASDA funds, even if
they still maintain program income from previous years. This will
ensure that tribal governments are not punished for developing
successful income-generating housing stock.
This legislation is a top priority of the United Native American
Housing Association, a regional group that represents 32 housing
programs in the HUD Northern Plains Region, including all of South
Dakota. It also is similar to legislation introduced in the Senate this
year by my colleague Tim Johnson.
Of course, there is much more to be done. Congress should acknowledge
and live up to the treaty obligations that we have with tribes across
the country and respect the sovereignty of tribal governments. One way
to do this is by responding to the substantial housing needs on our
reservations by funding NAHASDA at a level that will allow tribal
members to live with dignity in safe, sanitary housing.
Mr. Speaker, I hope the passage of this legislation emphasizes the
current housing needs in Indian Country and resonates with my
colleagues. It is a step in the right direction, but we can and we must
do more.
Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), who is a member of the Chickawa
Tribe. The gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole) is a true fighter and
advocate for those in Indian Country across our Nation.
Mr. COLE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I would be in trouble if I did not
say Chickasaw Tribe.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 797, the Native American
Housing Enhancement Act of 2005. I commend the gentleman from Arizona
(Mr. Renzi) for bringing such an important piece of legislation before
the House for consideration.
This bill allows tribes to maximize funding resources provided
through the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act of 1996.
It also reinforces tribal sovereignty by allowing tribes to focus
certain Federal housing funding solely on tribal members. Finally, it
will reinstate tribal access to Federal funding for youth programs.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi),
has been a tireless champion for the Native American community, whether
reinforcing tribal sovereignty, encouraging economic diversification,
increasing educational opportunities, or improving the quality of life
for Native Americans. I commend the gentleman from Arizona for his
leadership in advancing the causes of the Native American community and
urge support for the passage of the Native American Housing Enhancement
Act of 2005.
Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that we are considering this bill today
on the House floor. I do commend the leadership of the Committee on
Financial Services, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
[[Page H1796]]
Oxley) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), and the
leadership of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters). They exhibit
bipartisanship in an effort to get legislation done that is important,
and that is why we are here today.
I certainly thank my colleague, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr.
Renzi). The gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) and I share the
privilege and honor of representing the Navajo Nation. I can tell you
the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) has been a tireless advocate for
Navajo issues and Native American issues in general, and I value the
relationship I have had with him working on those issues.
This bill, H.R. 797, the Native American Housing Enhancement Act, is
an important bill in making a few simple changes to current law that
will improve Native American access to housing.
Last year, and quite frankly, this was at the instigation of the
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi), there was a field hearing that took
place on the Navajo Reservation; and the Committee on Financial
Services sponsored this field hearing, which I believe is the first
housing field hearing ever to take place on the reservation.
The gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi), along with the gentleman from
Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), and I
toured parts of the reservation before the hearing, heard from many
witnesses from a number of tribes, and we learned a lot during that
hearing. We saw some startling things, and we learned a lot that needs
to be addressed.
We learned the poverty rate for Native Americans is twice that of the
rest of the U.S. population; that many Native Americans continued to
live in appalling housing conditions, even as those in much of the
Nation have improved, and we saw some of those conditions when we
toured the reservation.
American Indians and Alaskan native populations live in housing that
is often and justifiably compared to third-world nations. One out of
every five Indian homes lacks complete plumbing facilities. Over 90,000
American Indians and Alaska Natives are homeless or underhoused. So I
am so pleased that as a result of the subcommittee hearing out on the
reservation and the testimony we heard that the bipartisan work of the
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) and of others that we are bringing
to the floor today can help address at least some of these issues.
This bill will not address all of the challenges associated with
Native American housing, but it will provide progress on the issue. It
takes a positive step by stretching existing resources and creating
flexibility in the delivery of housing for Native Americans.
Specifically, the bill will amend the current law to explicitly
direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development to allow tribes
unrestricted access to new Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act funds, even if they still retain program income funds
from previous years. You have heard that described by a couple of
speakers before me.
This is so important, because sometimes when investments get made in
new housing, there is a rental stream or income that comes off of that
housing; and if the law is interpreted in a way we do not want to have
happen, it prevents new funds from coming in to move ahead with
additional housing programs. This act today addresses that problem so
we can continue to make progress.
The bill will also amend the Housing Act of 1949 and will bring USDA
housing programs into line with HUD Indian housing programs in allowing
Indian preference.
Finally, of course, the bill will reinstate Indian access to
YouthBuild grants. The grants are part of a Housing and Urban
Development Department program that provides job training and academic
assistance to low-income young people. Ensuring that tribes are
eligible to create for YouthBuild grants will fill a void in access to
funding for youth programs in Indian Country.
So as I said, this bill does take some important steps forward in
addressing the housing needs of Native Americans. Beyond that, there
are two other lessons I think we can learn from this bill, and I think
a lot of people in Congress might want to pay attention to this.
The first is, I think, we worked the way we are supposed to work. We
heard from constituents, we went and conducted a field hearing, we
listened to a lot of tribes from around this country. We took that
information back through the leadership of the gentleman from Arizona
(Mr. Renzi).
We have now formed legislation to address some of the problems that
were appropriately brought to our attention during the hearing process,
and this legislation is before us today. If it passes, as I am
confident it will, hopefully it will move in the other body as we will
and we will make some progress on an issue. That is why we are elected
in this body, is to make progress on issues.
The second lesson is the relationship that the gentleman from Arizona
(Mr. Renzi) has exhibited in working with folks on the other side of
the aisle. It is a valuable bipartisan relationship. It is the way you
get things done around here.
So I commend the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) on his leadership
on this issue, and I thank my colleagues for bringing the bill to the
floor. I certainly encourage this bill's adoption.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the gentleman from Utah for his
advocacy and particularly for the leadership he showed during the
hearing out in Navajo Country.
In closing, I want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Ney),
who has been a tireless advocate on Native American housing issues, who
represents a tough district with a lot of rural needs, and who
understands and has articulated the message that is now getting out
across the country, the need to help so many of our first citizens, the
Native Americans of our Nation.
Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have on the House floor today
H.R. 797, the Native American Housing Enhancement Act which I
introduced earlier this year with my colleague Mr. Matheson of Utah.
While visiting with my Navajo and Apache constituents, I have learned
that there is a need for a focus on long term housing planning. If we
can help tribes be flexible with their grant money we will see great
projects such as Apache Dawn, a multi-phase construction development by
the White Mountain Apache that was built because they were able to be
flexible and creative with their funding.
This bill makes three changes to help Native American communities in
rural Arizona, and across the nation, better address their housing
needs.
The first section of this bill will clarify that tribes are allowed
unrestricted access to new NAHASDA funds even if they still retain
program income from previous years.
Currently a tribes' grant money may be restricted if that tribe is
receiving program income in excess of their operating costs.
This clarification is crucial to ensure that we are not creating a
disincentive for tribes to create income or plan for their future
developments.
This bill also brings USDA housing programs into line with HUD
programs in allowing Indian preference which lets tribes abide by the
Indian Civil Rights Act.
Currently, tribal governments may not exercise Indian preference for
USDA programs because it would be considered a Civil Rights violation
for giving preference based on a racial designation.
Indian preference is something tribal governments value greatly in
addressing the needs of their citizens--it is not a race issue. Indian
preference recognizes the political designation of tribes as sovereign
entities with whom we have entered into a government to government
relationship.
This amendment will help to ensure greater tribal usage of USDA Rural
Development programs.
Because another program that tribes used for their youth programs
existed when NAHASDA was enacted, YouthBuild accessibility was taken
away.
Not only are tribes prohibited from applying for Youthbuild funds,
but organizations serving Native youth are prohibited as well, yet the
statistics are overwhelming:
The suicide rate for Native youth is three times the national average
. Alcohol related deaths among Native Americans ages 15-24 are 17 times
higher than the national average.
[[Page H1797]]
Native youth ages 12-20 are 58 percent more likely to become crime
victims than any other race of the same ages.
As of February 2001, 74 percent of youth in custody in the Federal
Bureau of Prisons system were Native American youth, an increase of 50
percent since 1994.
Native American youth represent 1 percent of the U.S. population, yet
they constitute 2 percent to 3 percent of the youth arrested for
offenses such as larceny-theft and liquor law violations.
These grim statistics speak to the importance of programs that teach
life skills and give a sense of community to children in Indian
Country. Current tragic events make clear the need to allow these
children to participate in a program that will build stronger
neighborhoods, more selfesteem and make a difference for their future.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this matter and I urge your
support of this bill.
Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 797, the
Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005 and want to commend the
sponsor of the legislation, the gentleman from Arizona, Rick Renzi, for
his tireless work and continued dedication to improving the housing
conditions for Native Americans in this country.
Native Americans are three times more likely to live in overcrowded
housing, and are more likely than other Americans to lack sewage and
water systems, telephone lines and electricity, according to the 2000
U.S. Census. Nearly 12 percent of Native Americans lack complete
plumbing, compared with 1.2 percent of the general population. Native
Americans have the highest poverty rates at 26 percent and have the
highest unemployment rate in the country at nearly 14 percent.
Last year, in May, this Committee held the first Indian Housing
Congressional hearing in Tuba City, Arizona in Indian country. At that
hearing, members were able to witness first hand the substandard
conditions experienced by Native Americans and learned of the many
barriers to housing development on reservations.
After that hearing, this Committee took action and enacted H.R. 4471,
the Homeownership Opportunities for Native Americans Act of 2004 to
provide more chances to provide quality housing for Native Americans.
That legislation restored the government repayment under the Title VI
Loan Guarantee Program from 80 percent to 95 percent in case of
default. The bill we are considering today represents another
installment in this Committee's commitment to addressing the many
housing needs facing Native Americans. The legislation we are
considering today, H.R. 797, represents another small step toward
improving housing for Native Americans in this country.
First, it requires federally recognized, self-governing Indian Tribes
(whose self-governing status would otherwise make them exempt) to
comply with the Indian Civil Rights Act--title II of the Civil Rights
Act of 1968--if they receive financial assistance from the Agriculture
Department for farm housing. Under current law, the department can
provide loans to farm owners to improve housing conditions for
themselves or their workers. The Indian Civil Rights Act prohibits
tribes from making laws that restrict freedom of religion, speech or
the press. It also sets other requirements pertaining to fair due
process for people who are arrested.
The measure also exempts tribes currently in compliance with the
Indian Civil Rights Act and tribes acting under other federal
affordable housing programs from compliance with certain sections
relating to fair housing under other civil rights laws, which overlap
with provisions in the Indian Civil Rights Act.
The bill makes Indian tribes or their housing entities eligible for
Youthbuild grants. The grants are part of a Housing and Urban
Development Department program that provides job training and academic
assistance to low-income young people.
Finally, the measure clarifies that the Interior Department cannot
restrict access to or reduce funds going to tribes receiving block
grants under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (PL 104-330).
While this legislation does not make monumental changes, it makes
changes that will help stretch the housing resources available to
Native Americans. I urge my colleagues to support.
Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 797, the
Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005. I would like to thank
my colleague and friend, Cong. Rick Renzi from Arizona, for his hard
work to bring this legislation to the floor. His commitment to
improving the housing conditions in Indian Country is an example we
should all follow.
Native Americans today are experiencing chronic housing affordability
problems. Over 32.5 percent of the homes located on tribal lands are
overcrowded and less than 50 percent of homes in Indian Country are
connected to public sewer systems. Approximately 40 percent of tribal
homes are considered substandard compared to a national average of six
percent.
Last May, the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held
a field hearing in Tuba City, Arizona on the state of housing in Indian
Country. The hearing was the first time the Housing Subcommittee held a
hearing on tribal lands. At this hearing, members were able to witness
first hand the substandard conditions experienced by Native Americans.
It gave members the opportunity to learn of the many barriers to
housing development on reservations.
After that hearing, the Financial Services Committee took action and
passed H.R. 4471, which restored the government repayment under the
Title VI Loan Guarantee Program from 80 percent to 95 percent in case
of default. The bill we are considering today represents another
installment in this Committee's commitment to addressing the many
housing needs facing Native Americans.
H.R. 797 requires federally recognized, self-governing Indian Tribes
(whose self-governing status would otherwise make them exempt) to
comply with the Indian Civil Rights Act--title II of the Civil Rights
Act of 1968--if they receive financial assistance from the Agriculture
Department for farm housing. Under current law, the department can
provide loans to farm owners to improve housing conditions for
themselves or their workers. The Indian Civil Rights Act prohibits
tribes from making laws that restrict freedom of religion, speech or
the press. It also sets other requirements pertaining to fair due
process for people who are arrested.
The measure also exempts tribes currently in compliance with the
Indian Civil Rights Act and tribes acting under other federal
affordable housing programs from compliance with certain sections
relating to fair housing under other civil rights laws, which overlap
with provisions in the Indian Civil Rights Act.
The bill makes Indian tribes or their housing entities eligible for
Youthbuild grants. The grants are part of a Housing and Urban
Development Department program that provides job training and academic
assistance to low-income young people.
Finally, the measure clarifies that the Interior Department cannot
restrict access to or reduce funds going to tribes receiving block
grants under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (PL 104-330).
Development programs delivered to Indian Country should be highly
flexible and adaptive to the very unique and specific circumstance in
each tribal setting. Native Americans must be able to take full
advantage of partnering and leveraging efforts across institutions and
at all levels of government.
While today's legislation does not make monumental changes, it will
help stretch the housing resources available to Native Americans. If we
begin to succeed at these initiatives, then opportunities will move
into these rural areas. As we work to help strengthen opportunities in
Indian Country, together we will all continue to play a significant
role in improving the quality of life for all families.
I urge my colleagues to support this piece of legislation.
Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Boozman). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 797.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________