Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following passage of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act (NAHASDA), Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement:

“The bipartisan passage of NAHASDA demonstrates that the House of Representatives is capable of working together to get important things accomplished. This legislation is a crucial step in building economic opportunity for Native Americans, while maintaining and respecting their Tribal sovereignty.

“The need for affordable housing on Native American lands cannot be understated. Some of the poorest and most remote communities in the country are Native American, including the United States’ three poorest communities. Under NAHASDA, Tribal governments have the sovereign authority to provide safe and affordable housing to Tribal communities. In addition, our reauthorization bill makes some much needed reforms to the NAHASDA process, such as the expedition of federal approvals and an increase in eligibility of NAHASDA funds to all Native people.

“I want to thank my colleagues who have helped champion this cause to its passage in the House. Congressman Pearce (R-NM), Congressman Cole (R-OK), Congressman Heck (D-WA), Congressman Kildee (D-MI), and Congressman Young (R-AK) have each shown great leadership on this issue. Together we found a solution that we all could agree, even if we each do not agree with every provision in the bill. For instance, I would have supported even higher levels of funding; however, this legislation is the product of a truly bipartisan process.

“I urge both Senate Republicans and Democrats to follow our lead and quickly adopt this bill, so our Native American brethren don’t have to wait to receive the help they deserve.”