Cortez Masto Cosponsors Legislation to Reduce Homelessness on Tribal Lands

Statement

U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) cosponsored a bipartisan bill, led by Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), to make it easier for tribes and tribally-designated housing entities to access funding to combat homelessness on tribal lands.

"Homelessness is a significant challenge on tribal lands in Nevada and across the country, with families often moving in with friends, relatives or neighbors to get by. I'm proud to cosponsor this legislation to help tribes provide solutions to homelessness, so Nevadans in our Native communities can thrive in safe, affordable and quality housing."

In addition to Senators Cortez Masto, Smith and Murkowski, the Senate bill is also cosponsored by Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.). U.S. Representatives Denny Heck (D-Wash.-10) and Sean Duffy (R-Wis.-7) introduced a companion bill in the House.

BACKGROUND:

The Tribal Access to Homeless Assistance Act would:

Make tribes and tribally-designated housing entities eligible to submit funding requests through their local Continuum of Care, and;
Ensure tribes and tribally-designated housing entities are eligible to take on the administration and coordination of homeless assistance grants within their geographic area.

Source