CAMPBELL INDIAN HOUSING BILL PASSES HOUSE, SENT TO PRESIDENT
Washington D.C. — On October 16, 2002 the U.S. House of Representatives passed
legislation introduced by Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) to re-authorize
and amend the "Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act 0f 1996
(NAHASDA). The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent on October 4, 2002.
With the House's action, the bill will be sent to the White House for the
President's consideration.
"I am glad the House saw fit to pass these key amendments that will result
in more effective delivery of home construction and increased Indian home-ownership
and will begin the transition to where housing in Indian communities is not
seen as an end in itself but is an engine for economic growth and community
development", said Campbell, the lone American Indian in the Senate.
If signed by the President as expected, Campbell's legislation will
re-authorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act
(NAHASDA) through 2007. The legislation includes both an Indian housing
construction block grant and the Indian Community Development Block Grant
authority.
"The goal of NAHASDA is to help tribal governments develop affordable
housing on Indian reservations and this bill takes Indian housing policy
to the next level by recognizing that housing construction and home equity
leads to community and economic development where everyone benefits",
remarked Campbell, the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs.
In addition to re-authorizing NAHASDA through 2007, the Campbell bill
requires feasibility studies on expanded community development efforts
and Indian Self Determination Act contracting, provides for negotiatied
rulemaking on amendments made to NAHASDA, and expands eligible activities
for loans guaranteed under the Act.
"This bill enjoyed solid bi-partisan support in the Congress and I am very
hopeful the President signs it into law quickly", said Campbell.
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CONTACT: Paul Moorehead 202-224-2251
October 18, 2002