[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005

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                               speech of

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2005

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 797, the 
Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005.
  For too long our Native American brothers and sisters have been 
treated like second-class citizens.
  I believe I speak for everyone when I say that Native Americans 
deserve decent housing, a suitable living environment, and economic 
opportunities.
  The Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005 is a step towards 
putting Native Americans on a fair playing field.
  This bill makes changes to the Native American Housing Assistance and 
Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) which will make better use of 
resources and provide housing for Native Americans through more 
efficient means. By allowing tribal governments to exercise their 
preference for housing programs through the Indian Civil Rights Act, 
tribes can better direct these funds to expedite tribal housing.
  This bill will also direct the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development to allow tribes unlimited access to new housing funds even 
if they are still using funds from previous years.
  Importantly, this bill also amends the National Affordable Housing 
Act to provide tribes eligibility for Youthbuild grants, which they 
were unfairly denied when NAHASDA was created in 1996.
  This legislation conveys the intent of Congress that all Americans, 
including our first Americans, are entitled to the American dream.
  I am proud to speak in strong support of this important initiative to 
help more Native Americans achieve the American dream.

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