Hearing of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee - S. 710, The Reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 2015

Hearing

"Today the Committee will examine S. 710, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2015 or NAHASDA. I introduced S. 710 on March 11th.

"The bill is similar to past bills introduced since NAHASDA's reauthorization ended in 2013.

"Reauthorizing NAHASDA has been an important priority for Indian country. However, Indian country has waited too long for reauthorization. For that reason, I am looking forward to the collaboration in both the Senate and the House that will make reauthorization a reality.

"I especially want to thank Senator Tester for his leadership on the important issue of Indian housing. Because of his leadership and the efforts of our colleagues, we are closer to making reauthorization a reality.

"The United States is responsible for improving Indian people's housing conditions. Improved housing conditions empower tribes to take greater responsibility for their own economic condition.

"In 1996 NAHASDA consolidated Federal Indian housing programs into one law. NAHASDA also furthered principles of self-governance through tribes' administration of Federal Indian housing programs.

"Although NAHASDA has empowered tribes to tackle their own housing needs, there is still a need for housing in Indian country.

"I want to welcome our panel of tribal officials and advocates. They represent an in depth understanding of Indian country's housing needs and how NAHASDA can address these needs.

"Chairwoman Karen Diver is from the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. Mr. Gary Cooper is a Board Member and Chairman of the Legislative Committee for the National American Indian Housing Council. And, Mr. Sossamon is the Executive Director of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Housing Authority.

"I want to thank all of you for joining us."

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