H.R. 2786, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act

Floor Speech

H.R. 2786, THE NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND SELF-DETERMINATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 28, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO
OF HAWAII
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2008

* Ms. HIRONO. I rise in support of H.R. 2786, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act, NAHASDA. Reauthorization of NAHASDA through FY2012 will ensure that safe, decent, and affordable housing is available to low-income American Indian and Alaska Native families.

* At the same time, I am very troubled by the obstructionist tactics of certain Republicans in the Senate that resulted in stripping reauthorization of the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant and Loan Guarantee Program from the final version of this bill. Native Hawaiians, like other indigenous peoples of the United States, are members of traditionally underserved communities and deserve equitable participation in federal programs with American Indians and Alaska Natives.

* Legislation will be reintroduced next year that will reauthorize funding for the Native Hawaiian housing program to ensure that the affordable housing needs of Native Hawaiians are addressed. Since the inception of the Native Hawaiian housing program in FY2002, $37 million has been awarded to Hawaii to support much-needed affordable housing activities for low-income Native Hawaiians who are eligible to reside on Hawaiian home lands. I believe in the importance of Native Hawaiian programs, and I will continue to champion these programs.

* I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 2786, and I ask for your support to correct this unfair exclusion of Native Hawaiians.

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