[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 22 (Monday, February 11, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING AND SELF-DETERMINATION ACT

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to discuss the 
Banking Committee's action on S. 2062, the Native American Housing 
Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007. Senator 
Shelby and I agreed to discharge this bill from the Banking Committee, 
with an amendment, to help move the bill along.
  This legislation reauthorizes the Native American Housing and Self-
Determination Act, NAHASDA, which provides critical funds for housing 
Native Americans who suffer significant and unique housing problems. 
According to HUD data, almost one-third of Native Americans have severe 
housing burdens. They live in overcrowded conditions, lack basic 
plumbing and utilities, or pay over half of their income for their 
housing costs. NAHASDA is the primary way that Indian tribes are 
assisted in addressing these critical housing needs.
  The amendment drafted by Senator Shelby and I includes a provision to 
clarify that this bill should not interfere with ongoing court cases 
regarding funding allocations. I want to acknowledge the contributions 
of Senators Tester and Enzi in working on this provision. In addition, 
the amendment helps to retain the requirements that funds be used for 
those Native Americans in the worst housing situations and that funds 
continue to be used to increase affordable housing opportunities.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to quickly pass S. 2062 
as amended.

                          ____________________