[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 10]
[House]
[Page 13060]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       INTRODUCTION OF HEARTH ACT

  (Mr. HEINRICH asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HEINRICH. I rise today to introduce the Helping Expedite and 
Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership Act, or the HEARTH Act.
  Homeownership is a fundamental element to the American dream, yet 
Native American homeownership rates are half that of the general 
population, and too often the Federal Government has been the stumbling 
block.
  Purchasing a home is no easy process for any of us; but for many 
Native American families trying to buy a house on tribal land, they 
must also get lease approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the 
land that the house sits on.
  This process can take between 6 months and 2 years, resulting in an 
intolerable delay for finalizing a home sale. This bill would eliminate 
this requirement and allow tribal governments to approve trust land 
leases directly, giving more Native American families the chance to own 
their own home.
  I urge your support.

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